Journey Through the New Testament

We are going to begin a journey through the books of the Bible that describe our Lord’s birth and the many important and wonderful things that happened during and after this blessed event. These books of the Bible are called the New Testament.

The New Testament, like the Old Testament, was written by many different men, each specially chosen of God and given His inspired words to record. The actual time during which the New Testament was written is very short compared to the Old Testament. While many hundreds of years of time separated the various books of the Bible recorded in the Old Testament, all of the books of the New Testament were recorded in less than 100 years.

The first four books of the New Testament are called “Gospels,” because they record the wonderful news of the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. After this we have a history book called Acts, and then many different letters written to assemblies of believers or to individual believers. At the end is a book called Revelation that contains the record of events yet to take place in this world. We hope that you will enjoy and be helped by our journey through the New Testament.

Matthew 1

The wonderful account of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is presented here. How wonderful to learn from God’s Word that the eternal Son of God was born a baby into the world that He had created. In this Gospel, the Lord Jesus comes to His people (the nation of Israel) as their Messiah. He was to be received by them as their king and to be honored and obeyed.

Over 4000 years before Jesus was born, God told the woman in the Garden of Eden that her seed would bruise Satan’s head. He was telling us that His Son, the woman’s seed, would defeat Satan’s effort to destroy man (Genesis 3:15). Satan would be defeated by a man. Over 1800 years before Jesus was born, God told Abraham, “In thy seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 22:18). He then made Abraham to be the father of the nation of Israel.

If He was to be their king, His genealogy must be through David, the first king chosen by God for the nation. So, of course, it was.

Now the time had come for God to fulfill His promises for His people to have a Messiah, king and Savior. He carefully names, one by one, the 42 generations of people from Abraham to Jesus Christ, the promised One.

Then God tells us a wonderful, unique fact: The conception of the virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not by her husband but by the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God and He is man.

Only God could know what name to give the child. He instructed, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus.” The name “Jesus” means Jehovah the Savior. In His Old Testament relationships with the people of Israel, He often called Himself Jehovah. More than that, they were also to call His name Emmanuel, which means, “God with us.”

1. The New Testament is God’s wonderful book about __________. Matthew 1:___

2. Over 1800 years before his birth, God had promised __________ that by his seed all nations would be blessed. Matthew 1:___

3. He was to be Israel’s promised king, so His genealogy is through “__________ the king.” Matthew 1:___

4. Unlike anyone else who has ever lived, Jesus was born of a virgin, whose conception was by __________. Matthew 1:___

5. God said He was to be given the name of __________, for He would save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:___

Matthew 2

When Jesus, the promised Messiah king of God’s chosen people, was born, the country was under the control of the Roman government and Herod, who had been appointed as king in the capital Jerusalem. Also there were the religious leaders of the people. When they heard Jesus was born, were they happy to hear the news? No, they were “troubled.” Why? The babe was a threat to their place of power and importance.

As you read Matthew’s Gospel, pay attention to how often Old Testament prophets are quoted to show to the people living then and us now that Jesus is God’s Savior for man and that the Bible is God’s inspired Word and not the word of man. It would have been impossible for man to write a book telling such details about when, where and how Jesus would be born and live and preach and die. His manner of death was foretold long before death by crucifixion was invented.

The first to seek Him with right hearts were not His own people but “wise men” from a far country. The Holy Scriptures said He would be born in Bethlehem. The wise men were guided by a star to the house where He was. In Matthew they are the first recorded to get to see Him. And what is the first thing they do? They worship Him and give Him gifts. We wish every person who seeks Him for the first time in their heart would do the same.

Herod was not only troubled, but he also soon wanted to “seek the young child to destroy Him.” Man is no match for God. God, who knows all things at all times, knew what Herod was thinking and planning. He tells Joseph to take the child and His mother to live in Egypt. This he does until Herod dies. Then he is told to return to Israel. This he does. When he hears Herod’s son is the new king, he does not go back to where he had lived before, but he goes to Nazareth. He didn’t know it, but he was fulfilling a prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

1. The rulers of Israel were __________ when they heard that Jesus was born. Matthew 2:___

2. The __________ recorded many things about the birth, life and death of Jesus long before His coming. Matthew 2:___

3. One prophet foretold that Jesus would be born in the little town of __________. Matthew 2:___

4. When the wise men first met Jesus, they __________ Him. Matthew 2:___

5. Jesus lived the first years of His life in what country? __________ Matthew 2:___

Matthew 3

John the Baptist was born just a little before the Lord Jesus. He was given a special and wonderful mission by God to announce the coming of the Messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ) to the people of God. The first words of his message were, “Repent ye.” When Jesus began to preach, do you know what the first word of His preaching was? We will see in chapter 4.

Those who believed his message showed that they were ready to receive their king by being baptized and confessing their sins. John warns some of the religious leaders, “Bring forth ... fruits meet for repentance.” The fruit of a changed life gives evidence that there has been repentance.

Even the Lord Jesus came to be baptized. John the Baptist did not want to baptize the Lord, for he knew and believed that He was the Messiah. But he obeyed. Jesus was taking His humble place among those who believed and submitted to the baptism of repentance. After the Lord Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God like a dove lighted on Him, and a voice from heaven proclaimed Him as “My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Finally, after observing the sinful lives of men for over 4000 years, God could look down on One whose every thought and action was a pleasure to Him.

1. Who was sent ahead of Jesus to announce that Jesus the King was about to come? __________ Matthew 3:___

2. The first words of his message were, “__________.” Matthew 3:___

3. People showed they were ready by being baptized and by confessing their __________. Matthew 3:___

4. Some were warned to show their repentance was genuine by showing the __________ of a changed life. Matthew 3:___

5. When God saw His Son, a perfect man, He was so happy that He opened heaven and said, “My beloved Son, in whom __________.” Matthew 3:___

Matthew 4

Before the Lord Jesus began His service for God, Satan tempted Him, trying to get Him to sin as all other men have done. But the Lord Jesus is both perfect God and perfect man. As a man, He had no sin and could do no sin.

Notice how Satan used the word “if” in every temptation to introduce doubt. It is as if he said, “If You are who You say You are, prove it.” Notice how He answered every attempt to get Him to disobey God; each time He said, “It is written.” We need to read our Bible every day and when tempted to say to our own hearts, “It is written.”

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent.” His service was perfect and a wonderful pattern for all who wish to serve Him. He began in the area where He was raised and lived. If we are not ready to tell the people where we live about Jesus, we are not ready to go somewhere else as a missionary.

He begins to call others to follow Him as His disciples. Being with Him, they learn how to be “fishers of men” — how to go out and present Jesus’ teaching to others and make them disciples. When Jesus was calling men to serve Him, He was not looking for idle people. He called men who were busy working. When Jesus called James and John, “they immediately left” everything to follow Him.

People are always looking for something or someone to meet needs which they cannot meet themselves. People heard about the Man Jesus who was healing all manner of sickness and disease. Soon they were bringing to Him “all sick people.” We all have the sickness of sin that we cannot cure. He is our only hope; He is the only One who can cure us by saving us, giving us a new heart, and fitting us for heaven.

1. What doubt word did Satan include with every temptation? __________ Matthew 4:___

2. In answering every temptation, Jesus said, “ __________.” Matthew 4:___

3. __________ is the first word recorded that Jesus said when He began His public preaching. Matthew 4:___

4. James and John were not slow to respond when Jesus called them; they __________ left. Matthew 4:___

5. What kind of people were brought to Jesus? __________ Matthew 4:___

Matthew 5

After being tested by Satan and with God showing us that Jesus is a perfect man, the people come to Him and He begins the great work of teaching men. Later He would do the even greater work of saving men. He begins by telling them the character of person that was “blessed.” For example, blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure and the peacemaker. The world we live in is morally dark and sad. If we are the kind of person that is blessed, then Jesus says that “ye are the light of the world.”

Jesus did not put the law of the Ten Commandments aside by what He taught, but He said He came to fulfill the law. And He did. If His life had not been perfect, He could not have been the Savior.

For the rest of the sermon on the mount, Jesus compares what they had “heard” had been said by others to what “I [Jesus] say unto you.” We all need to be very careful where we get our thoughts. Are we getting them from what people say and think or are we getting them from God through our Lord Jesus and what the Bible says? How much better if we can say, “God says this,” rather than, “So-and-so says this.”

Men agree killing is bad, and people are judged for doing it, but other things like being angry when we shouldn’t be is nothing in comparison to killing. But Jesus says such anger puts a person in danger of hell fire. Man knows he is not to commit adultery and that it is sin. But Jesus says that to look upon a woman with lust is to already commit adultery in your heart. Man says there are many reasons that make it okay to divorce your wife. But Jesus says that a man is committing adultery if he divorces his wife and marries someone else for any reason except if she commits adultery. Man says, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” or, as we say, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But Jesus says, No matter what they do, “love your enemies.”

1. “Blessed are the __________: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:___

2. “__________ are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:___

3. The Lord Jesus is the only one who could say, “I am not come to destroy, but to __________” God’s perfect law. Matthew 5:___

4. Just calling someone a “fool” puts a person in danger of __________. Matthew 5:___

5. Jesus says, We are not just to love our neighbor, but we are to love our __________. Matthew 5:___

Matthew 6

Do we live our lives “before men” or before God? In this chapter Jesus teaches us the difference and our hearts and consciences are tested by what He says. Alms were gifts given to the temple. When the givers let others see and know what they were giving, they would “have glory from men.” When done in secret, God the Father would receive the glory from the giving.

When they prayed, was it for the eye of God or for the eye of men? Don’t memorize a prayer and then just say the words; that is “vain repetitions.” When you talk to God, talk as if He were standing right in front of you. He knows what you need, but He wants you to say it, for you need to show you are depending on Him. If you ask for something, like forgiveness, be sure you have the same heart towards others that you want God to show to you.

Fasting is denying yourself food. Do you give up something and want everyone to know what you are giving up? If so, you are doing it for your own glory. Doing it without telling others but just for God the Father is the right way. God will reward what you do for Him.

Are we living in view of having a place in heaven with Jesus, or just for the here and now? In other words, is what we value most and live for in heaven or on earth? What we value is our “treasure.” Our treasure controls our hearts, and what is in our hearts controls how we live our lives. If our heart is right, we will be able to see and understand life clearly. If wrong, we will live in “darkness”; we will not be able to see and live properly. We cannot have both heaven first and the earth first at the same time. As Jesus says, “No man can serve two masters.”

Trust God as Father for everything. He knows and cares about your every need and will provide for you.

1. Giving alms before men is done to have __________ of men. Matthew 6:___

2. If we want our heavenly Father to forgive us, we should __________ men their trespasses. Matthew 6:___

3. Fasting — giving up things like food — is not to be done before men but in secret before your __________. Matthew 6:___

4. Your heart is where your __________ is. Matthew 6:___

5. Who knows everything that you need for your life? __________ Matthew 6:___

Matthew 7

Jesus continues His teaching. In this chapter we learn from Him that what we say and do is a result of what we are inside. Man sees the outside, but God sees and tests what is in the heart, the inside. The first subject is judging. We are told that we will be judged by the way in which we judge others. We are told to “first” cast the beam out of our own eye; that is, self-judgment comes first. If we have not done this, we will not see clearly to judge what others do. (We may have to judge actions, but never the heart. Only God knows what is in someone’s heart.)

We are to ask, seek and knock. But of whom? We are to ask God, our Father. God’s heart is good, and He gives from the goodness of His own heart. If God is our Father, we are to have the heart of our Father and give as He gives.

As a boy, our yard had 14 fruit trees. We knew a tree by the fruit it produced. Six trees were good apple trees; one tree was a crab apple tree. Good trees bring good fruit, but corrupt (spoiled) trees give bad fruit. Our lives are like trees. What kind of fruit is coming from them?

Again, what is in the heart comes out in what we say and do. But saying good things and even doing things in the name of the Lord is not accepted if the heart is not right. We are told we must do “the will of [God] My Father.” Doing His will shows if the heart is right.

Finally, the Lord tells us what is needed as the foundation of our lives. Our “house” (that is, our lives) needs to be built upon a “rock,” and the Bible teaches us that Christ is the “rock.”

1. What must be cast out of our own eye before we can see and judge other eyes? __________ Matthew 7:___

2. Your Father will give good things to those who __________ Him. Matthew 7:___

3. A good tree brings forth __________ fruit. A corrupt tree brings forth __________ fruit. Matthew 7:___

4. He who does “the __________ of My Father” enters the kingdom. Matthew 7:___

5. A wise man builds the house of his life on a __________. Matthew 7:___

Matthew 8

Jesus the Messiah came and preached about the kingdom that He would set up if they received Him and His teachings. Now He would present Himself and His heart to them by His works. The leper comes in his great need. He knows Jesus has power to make him clean. But was Jesus willing? To his question Jesus answers, “I will,” and He did make him clean.

Jesus had come as Israel’s promised Messiah. But His love and power could not be limited. Where there was faith, there was blessing for all. The centurion was a Roman, and those of Israel were a conquered people. The centurion knew he was not worthy. In truth, no person who has ever lived is worthy but Jesus. Blessing comes by faith in the worthy One. The centurion had faith and his need was met.

Some said they would be His followers. But what people say and what they do are not always the same. There is a cost to following Him. He told one man, If you follow Me, I have nowhere to lay My head. Another said he would follow but immediately gave an excuse: Let “me first” do something else.

While His disciples are going with Him in a boat to another country, a storm comes up. He is sleeping, and they are afraid the boat will sink and they cry, “Lord, save us: we perish.” He calms the storm but tells them their faith is small. The Creator of heaven and earth was in the boat with them. He had power over waves and storms and sea. Being with them, what did they have to fear?

Sadly, the Gergesenes cared more for their swine (pigs) than for the men possessed with devils. Because He let the devils go into the swine, they want Him to depart out of their lives and country.

1. Jesus said, “__________; be thou clean,” and the leper was cleansed. Matthew 8:___

2. We should all be humble like the centurion who said, “I am not __________.” Matthew 8:___

3. One disciple did not count the cost of following Jesus. He said, “Suffer __________ to go and bury my father.” Matthew 8:___

4. While the disciples in the boat had little faith, they went to the right person, saying, “Lord, save us: we __________.” Matthew 8:___

5. Some put more importance on their possessions (swine) than men possessed with devils. But Jesus did not. He said to the devils, “__________.” And they went out of the men. Matthew 8:___

Matthew 9

Jesus returns to His own city, Capernaum. While those who are satisfied with themselves refuse Him, those who are in need or care about others in need seek Him. Some with faith in Him bring their sick friend to Him. Jesus meets the man’s greatest need first, his sins, and says, “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” The unbelievers think evil in their hearts: What man has the right to forgive sins? He was just a man in their eyes. Then He shows His power to forgive by curing the man. He who suffered God’s judgment for my sins has the right to forgive them.

No man can serve Jesus who does not first follow Him. Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow Me.” He obeyed; he followed Him. Matthew was a tax collector. They were despised, for they collected taxes for the Romans who had conquered land and forced them to pay taxes. They question His followers why He would eat with such people, and He tells them, I came to call the sinner, not the righteous. Their question shows that their hearts were not right, for God says, “There is none righteous, no not one.”

People wondered why Jesus did things differently than those who came before Him. In answering their questions, He spoke about “new wine” and “old bottles.” Jesus was introducing new things which God had never given to man before, and those “new” things could not be put into the “old” ways. It is a great mistake to try and fit New Testament Christianity into Old Testament Jewish ways.

True faith trusts in the Person of Jesus. He can meet my need, all my needs whatever they are. The woman with the blood disease thought, If I can just touch His garment, I will be well. She did; she touched. She did not have to say anything. He saw her faith, He understood her unspoken need, and she was immediately made well.

The public life and work of Jesus until His death is summarized in one verse: “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

1. Who has the power (and right) to forgive sins? __________ Matthew 9:___

2. What did Matthew (the writer of Matthew) do when Jesus told him, “Follow Me”? __________ Matthew 9:___

3. No one puts __________ cloth on an __________ garment. Matthew 9:___

4. Her faith said, If I touch His garment, “I shall be made __________.” Matthew 9:___

5. Before Jesus died on the cross, He was busy preaching the gospel and __________ every sickness and disease. Matthew 9:___

Matthew 10

After doing the wonderful works (recorded in chapters 8-9), the Lord Jesus chooses 12 of His disciples. They were sent with the power He gave them to do the same wonderful works that He did. They were to go to the lost people of the house of Israel to preach, to heal, to cleanse, to raise the dead, and to cast out devils. He gave freely; they like Him were to be givers, not takers.

They were going for Him, and it would be a serious test for those they were going to present Him to. They were identified with Him and presenting Him to the people by what they said and did. If they were received, He was received. If they were rejected, He was being rejected. Terrible judgment would fall upon those who rejected Him in rejecting them.

But they were being tested too. You are doing this “for My name’s sake.” I am hated; you are My servants, so you will be hated too. But “fear them not”; you are valuable to Me and I will speak of you to My Father. But you must put Me first, above everything else and above everyone else. If you lose your life for My sake, you will find it. You will, in the end, receive your reward. Are you willing to give up everything for Him?

1. To whom did the Lord give power to do wonderful works like He was doing? __________ Matthew 10:___

2. To whom were they sent? __________ Matthew 10:___

3. They should not expect to be loved for the wonderful works they did; they would be __________. Matthew 10:___

4. Even if hated, they were not to __________. Matthew 10:___

5. He told them, If you lose your life for My sake, you will __________ it. Matthew 10:___

Matthew 11

Jesus had come as the Messiah — God’s promised king for His people. He went from city to city to teach and to preach to the people. John the Baptist had been promised in the Book of Malachi to come before Jesus to announce His coming and to call the people to repentance. For being faithful to his responsibility, he was cast into prison. John was discouraged. He sent a message to Jesus asking Him if He really was the Messiah. Jesus told the messengers to give dear John a report of all the wonderful things that were being done by the Lord. Indeed He was the promised Messiah! Jesus gave John a huge compliment — there was not a “greater than John.”

John’s message was for the people to repent and receive their Messiah. They did not, and Jesus began to upbraid (reproach) the cities because they did not repent, even after John’s message and seeing the mighty works that Jesus did.

In spite of the rejection of both His words and His works, Jesus, the perfect man, accepts His rejection and thanks His Father for all things, saying, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth.” Do we always accept what almighty God brings into our lives and thank Him for it?

In spite of everything, He lived with perfect rest in His soul. To all who felt the burdens of life, Jesus invited, “Come unto Me, ... and I will give you rest.” If we come, He promises to share our burdens with us and says, “Learn of Me.” He teaches us to be “meek and lowly” in our hearts, like He is. If we learn to be meek instead of being proud, we find “rest” for our souls.

1. Who came to teach and preach to God’s people in Israel? __________ Matthew 11:___

2. Has there ever been a greater than John the Baptist? __________ Matthew 11:___

3. Jesus reproached those who had not __________. Matthew 11:___

4. Who invites you to come to Him and find rest? __________ Matthew 11:___

5. What does Jesus teach us to be so that we can have rest? __________ Matthew 11:___

Matthew 12

People judged Jesus by themselves. They expected Him to conform to the rules they had to live by. What they did not understand and did not accept was that He was the Son of Man; He was God who became a man but was still God. He was the ultimate rule maker and under no obligation to conform to man’s rules. Jesus was Lord even of the Sabbath.

He was rejected for who He was, and so in blind unbelief, they consulted together on how to destroy Him. He did not come to judge but to save, so He did not strive with men; He did not insist on His rights but went quietly among men to seek their blessing.

His presence was a test for everyone. He told the people, “He that is not with Me is against Me.” It is still true today: Every person accepts and is for Him or is against Him by rejecting Him and His rights over them.

Man said to Him, “We would see a sign from Thee,” or, in other words, Prove to me You are who You say You are. He said no sign would be given but the sign of Jonas (Jonah) the prophet who was in the belly of the whale for three days and nights. Jesus, after dying, would be dead for three days and then rise again. To refuse to accept Jesus as once dead and now alive forever leaves a person in a hopeless condition of unbelief.

Those who believe in Him will respond to Him to do God His Father’s will. Even Mary His mother was tested in this way. Being a Jew was not enough; even being His mother was not enough. When asked, He said, “Who is My mother?” Like everyone else, she must accept Him in faith and do His Father’s will.

1. Who is Lord of the Sabbath day? __________ Matthew 12:___

2. Did Jesus strive for His rights? Should we? __________ Matthew 12:___

3. Jesus said, “He that is not with Me is __________ Me.” Matthew 12:___

4. Jesus said that He would be __________ days and nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:___

5. To be a brother or sister of Jesus, we must do __________ of His Father. Matthew 12:___

Matthew 13

The Lord Jesus leaves the house in which He was staying and, seated in a boat by the seashore, He begins to preach a special message to a great crowd of people who had gathered there. He tells them parables (stories which illustrate a point) about the kingdom of heaven. Those who were His disciples would understand, and those who were not would not understand.

Sad to say, many of the people who were listening to Jesus with their ears were hardening their hearts against Him. The Lord Jesus likened Himself to a sower who planted good seed and those who heard His words to different kinds of ground that the seed was planted in. Most of the ground was not good and did not allow the seeds to grow and bring forth fruit.

After explaining the parable of the sower to His disciples, the Lord Jesus told more parables. Each of these stories was an example of the kingdom of heaven. He was the true king who should have reigned in the world, but He was rejected and so His kingdom was set up in heaven. Each one who believed by faith in Him was part of that kingdom, but there were those who also were part of it who did not really believe in Him. The time would come when He would set up His kingdom in this world, and then these false professors would be cast into a furnace of fire. Sadly, many of the people were full of unbelief. Until that time, the Lord Jesus carefully explained to His disciples what the kingdom of heaven would be like and how they were to act until He came back.

1. Those who were not Jesus’ disciples would not see, hear and __________ the parables. Matthew 13:___

2. The seed was good, but some became unfruitful because of the __________ of this world. Matthew 13:___

3. What kind of ground produced fruit? __________ Matthew 13:___

4. When the Son of Man comes, those who do iniquity will be cast into a furnace of __________. Matthew 13:___

5. Why did Jesus, at that time, not do mighty works there? __________ Matthew 13:___

Matthew 14

Here we read of John the Baptist again. He had rebuked King Herod for his sin of living with Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herod wanted to put John to death for his faithful words, but Herod feared that his people would not like him if he did that because they all thought John was a prophet. So he put John in prison instead. On Herod’s birthday, there was a big party, and when Herodias’s daughter danced for him, he promised her a great reward. She asked for John to be beheaded, and Herod felt forced to give her what she wanted. But his disciples buried him properly and then shared their sorrow with Jesus.

When Jesus heard about John’s death, He went to a desert place to be alone. But He wasn’t alone for very long. Many people always seemed to be able to find Him, and they flocked to Him because He had compassion and healed those among them who were sick. He fed the large group of people who gathered around Him with just five loaves of bread and two fish. There was enough for all, for they were filled with some left over. Is Jesus enough to fill our hearts full?

Then the disciples got into a boat to go to the other side of the lake, but they found it hard to make any progress because of a strong wind that was against them. In the middle of the night, the Lord Jesus walked to them on the water, and they were troubled when they saw Him. Peter saw Him coming and asked to walk on the water too. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, Peter was able to walk to Him on the water, but when he looked around at the waves, he began to sink. Peter cried, “Lord, save me,” and the Lord Jesus immediately reached out to pick him up. Did Peter have much faith?

1. Herod wanted to kill John but did not, at first, because he __________ the people. Matthew 14:___

2. Why did Jesus heal the people? He was moved with __________. Matthew 14:___

3. When Jesus fed the people, did they get enough to eat? They were __________. Matthew 14:___

4. When Jesus walked on the water to the disciples, they were __________. Matthew 14:___

5. Consider this! Peter walked on water, yet Jesus had to say to him, “O thou of little __________.” Matthew 14:___

Matthew 15

Wherever Jesus went, as He lived in this world, there always was a group of people who found fault with everything that He did and everything that He said. We tend to find fault with people we don’t like, especially people who show us our own faults. And so the Pharisees hated the Lord Jesus and wanted to get rid of Him. Their traditions were against God’s commandments. Jesus taught that what is most important is not how we look on the outside, as other people see us, but how our hearts look to God’s eyes.

When God speaks, we will not understand, if we are not willing to hear with our hearts what He says.

What a cheer the “woman of Canaan” must have been to the Lord Jesus! She was not a Jew in Israel; she was a Gentile from a neighboring country. Usually the Jews did not have anything to do with Gentiles. But this woman’s daughter was possessed by a demon, and the mother knew that only Jesus could help her with her serious problem. Many tried to turn her away, but the Lord Jesus valued her great faith that would not give up, and so He was very happy to deliver her daughter from the demon.

Jesus had come to heal and bless the people. Here He also does another miracle with food — He once again feeds a multitude of people with just a few loaves and fish. Those who received the blessing “glorified the God of Israel” — they gave Him the honor and thanks that He deserved.

1. Jesus challenged the Pharisees for making their tradition transgress God’s __________. Matthew 15:___

2. We can say nice things with our lips while our __________ is far from God. Matthew 15:___

3. The Lord told the multitude to __________ and __________. Matthew 15:___

4. The Lord honored the __________ of the woman of Canaan and healed her daughter. Matthew 15:___

5. In Jesus’ hands were seven __________ of bread and a few __________, enough to feed over 4000 people. Matthew 15:___

Matthew 16

Here are those same enemies of the Lord Jesus, called Pharisees and Sadducees, trying to find fault with Him again. They often asked Him questions, which might look like they were just trying to learn something from Him, but the Bible tells us that their questions came from hearts that were wicked. The Lord Jesus then warned others that the wicked are the ones who seek a sign from heaven.

How wonderful each time we read of those who loved the Lord Jesus and were ready to listen to His teachings. Peter was one of these. When Jesus asked him who He was, he answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Now Jesus never changes. He always has been the Son of God, He still is, and He always will be, and so this truth is like a solid rock. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, then we are safe forever, and not even Satan can knock us off this rock-solid foundation.

As we move along on our journey, we find out that Jesus was on a journey too. He begins to share with us that His journey is heading to Jerusalem where He will suffer, die and then rise again alive the third day. Peter didn’t believe what He said; what Peter said was an offense to the Lord. But if He doesn’t die, then we can’t have our sins forgiven. Aren’t we so very thankful that He was willing to die for us?

The Lord asked the disciples what would be the profit if a person should gain the whole world and lose his soul. Are we willing to give up everything for the Lord Jesus?

1. Who watched Jesus preach and do miracles, but still asked for a “sign from heaven”? __________ Matthew 16:___

2. Peter boldly confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the __________ of the living God. Matthew 16:___

3. Jesus predicted ahead of time that He would __________ and be killed by those He came to save. Matthew 16:___

4. Peter’s rebuke was an offense to Jesus because Peter was not thinking God’s thoughts but those of __________. Matthew 16:___

5. If I am willing to lose my life in this world for Jesus’ sake, I will __________ what true living really is. Matthew 16:___

Matthew 17

Sometimes when you have a secret about something very happy that is going to happen, you like to share the secret with your closest friends before it actually happens, so that they can look forward to it with you. That is what the Lord Jesus did in our chapter. He took three of His disciples to the top of a high mountain. His face did shine as He showed them, along with Moses and Elijah, a beautiful time when He will reign as the king over this world. They learned that day that God will have everyone give all the honor to His beloved Son. Now this hasn’t happened yet, but we can look forward to it too.

While three disciples had such a wonderful view of the glory of the Lord Jesus, the other disciples find that they are unable to cast a demon (devil) out of a boy. Why? There was still unbelief in their hearts. We can’t get along one minute without Him. And it’s by prayer that we tell Him what we need and get His help for all our problems.

Jesus created the earth. He did not need to pay taxes. But for Peter’s sake, He, as Creator, provided a fish for Peter to use to pay taxes for Himself and Peter.

1. On the high mountain with Peter, James and John, Jesus’ face did __________ as the sun. Matthew 17:___

2. When God spoke from heaven, He called Jesus His __________. Matthew 17:___

3. Jesus told the disciples that they could not cast out the devil because of their __________. Matthew 17:___

4. He also said that this kind could not go out except by __________ and fasting. Matthew 17:___

5. Jesus told Peter he needed to go to the sea and cast a hook to catch a __________ in whose mouth would be the tax money. Matthew 17:___

Matthew 18

When the disciples asked who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, they hardly expected a little child to be an example.

After death, a person will either go to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven or, if he dies in his sins, suffer in everlasting fire. So that we can be saved, the Son of Man died for us on the cross. This fills our hearts with praise and worship as we come together on the first day of the week to remember Him in His death.

Now the Lord would have us show compassion to the lost, give them the gospel (good news) and pray for their salvation.

1. When the disciples ask about the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus calls a __________ to show His answer. Matthew 18:___

2. If your hand or foot makes you do something wrong, it is better to cut them off rather than to be cast into __________ fire. Matthew 18:___

3. The Lord Jesus is also called the Son of Man. He came into the world to __________ lost people. Matthew 18:___

4. Where two or three are gathered __________ unto the name of the Lord Jesus, He promises His presence in their midst. Matthew 18:___

5. The Lord has shown great __________ in forgiving us our sins, which is exactly what He wants us to do towards our fellow-companions. Matthew 18:___

Matthew 19

The Lord Jesus often had multitudes around Him because of His words and His wonderful works. His words were usually gracious, but sometimes they were of judgment and of things the people didn’t want to obey. When the Pharisees asked about divorce, He told them that God joined together a man and his wife, and man was not to put them asunder. When they heard this, they said it was not good to marry but rather to live as a eunuch. However, this is not God’s purpose for most people.

The Lord Jesus would have us to trust and follow Him while we are young, but in this chapter we read of someone who loved his riches more than following the Lord. We hope he realized what a poor decision he made that day and had a change of heart. Those who follow the Lord in this world will someday share in the glory of heaven.

1. What did the Lord Jesus do for the great multitudes that followed Him? __________ Matthew 19:___

2. When two people get married, who is it that joins them together? __________ Matthew 19:___

3. A eunuch cannot have any children, but why would anyone make themselves a eunuch? __________ Matthew 19:___

4. When people came to the Lord in faith, they left rejoicing. How did the rich young man go away? __________ Matthew 19:___

5. What special privilege will the 12 apostles have in the regeneration when the Son of Man (the Lord Jesus) sits on the throne of His glory? __________ Matthew 19:___

Matthew 20

The kindness of the owner of the vineyard is told out in this chapter. He had an agreement with the first laborers, which is a picture of Israel under law, who agreed to serve God. The laborers who were hired later at about the eleventh hour had no agreement and were dependent on the grace and kindness of the master of the vineyard. Do you think they were disappointed? God is better to us than we ever thought!

Although the Lord was so kind to all, the hearts of most men remained unchanged. The leaders of the people wanted to condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles to be crucified. This should have filled the disciples with sorrow, but instead we read that the mother of Zebedee’s children wanted the Lord to grant special favors for them. How clearly the Bible tells out what is in man’s natural heart!

During the life of the Lord Jesus, He constantly ministered to others and then at the end gave His life as a ransom for many. What love can compare with this?

Lastly, the reason the multitude rebuked the two blind men was because of their testimony to “the Son of David.” But Jesus touched their eyes and healed them. Soon multitudes will be compelled to confess “that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

1. The lord of the vineyard was very kind to his laborers. How much did his steward pay those that were hired about the eleventh hour? __________ Matthew 20:___

2. What did the Lord say He would do on the third day after He was crucified? __________ Matthew 20:___

3. The mother of Zebedee’s children wanted the Lord to grant a favor to her sons — to sit on His __________ hand and on His __________ in His kingdom. Matthew 20:___

4. If the Son of Man did not come to be ministered unto (to be served), what did He come for? __________ Matthew 20:___

5. What did the two blind men do after Jesus touched their eyes and healed them? __________ Matthew 20:___

Matthew 21

We now come to the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. He didn’t come with a grand army and riding on “a white horse” (Revelation 19:11), but rather as a meek man, sitting upon an ass! Children saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” really upset the religious leaders, because they were full of envy.

However, man’s hatred did not stop the Lord’s love from flowing out, and after cleansing the temple the second time, He then heals the blind and the lame before leaving the city to spend the night in Bethany.

The next morning, He was hungry and seeing a fig tree with plenty of leaves, He expected to find fruit but found nothing but leaves. What a picture of the nation of Israel — a great profession of religion but no fruit for God!

When the Lord entered the temple again, the chief priests and elders questioned His authority. Since they couldn’t even determine the authority for John’s mission, how could they determine His? He exposes their hearts to others, for they pretended to go and do God’s will, but went not. Others who had a very bad beginning repented and went, for repentance will take action.

This wasn’t all that He had to say to the chief priests and Pharisees, because in the closing parable He draws a picture of Israel’s history in their rejection of God’s prophets, and finally, when the husbandmen saw the son, they slew him. What an awful judgment awaits those who reject the Son of God. “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish” (Psalm 2:12).

1. Who did the prophet say would come to Sion “meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass”? __________ Matthew 21:___

2. In 2 Samuel 5:8 it says, “The lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul.” What did the Lord Jesus do for them in the temple? __________ Matthew 21:___

3. When the Lord was hungry and saw a fig tree, was there fruit on it for Him to eat? __________ Matthew 21:___

4. The first son rebelled at the beginning. Afterward he __________. Matthew 21:___

5. The husbandmen saw the son of the owner coming and decided to kill him because he was the __________. Matthew 21:___

Matthew 22

The Lord Jesus often spoke in parables to the people. A parable is a short story that teaches a truth or a moral lesson. When our Lord came into this world, His own people, the Jews, did not receive Him. In this chapter, they are the bidden guests who would not come. But God’s plans to honor His Son will not be frustrated by man’s rejection of His offer. Again the invitation goes out to those on the highways, gathering in both bad and good guests to the wedding. These are mainly Gentiles who have now been responding to the gospel invitation for over 2000 years. How gracious of the Lord to call those who were so unworthy! For all eternity He will be praised for His loving-kindness.

Can you imagine men trying to entangle the Lord Jesus in His talk? It was impossible! First they flatter Him and then they ask a tricky question. The Lord’s answer, “Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s,” is so well-known that it is often quoted today! The Lord is mighty in strength and wisdom (Job 36:5). He can answer any question we may have, no matter how difficult! Some people add to the Bible and some take away from it. When they said that there was no resurrection, the Sadducees were taking away from the Bible, for which there is a stern warning in Revelation 22:19. The fact that all will rise again shows the great power of God.

David, besides being a king, was also a prophet (Acts 2:29-30) and could foresee that his son would be greater than he, calling Him “Lord.” The genealogy given in Matthew shows the Lord Jesus coming through the family of David, yet in Psalm 110 David refers to his descendent as “Lord.” How can this be? He was greater than King David, for He is “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

1. Usually, when we are invited to a wedding, we are happy to go. But in this story, the bidden guests would __________ come. Matthew 22:___

2. Since those who were bidden were not worthy, where did the servants have to go to furnish the wedding with guests? __________ Matthew 22:___

3. False witnesses in Luke 23:2 claimed that the Lord Jesus was forbidding people to give tribute to Cæsar, but the truth is that He said to __________ to Cæsar what belongs to Cæsar and to God what belongs to Him. Matthew 22:___

4. The Apostle Paul said that if there was no resurrection, believers would be of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). What did the Sadducees say? __________ Matthew 22:___

5. What we think of Christ will determine our eternal destiny. Christ was to come through the lineage of David as a man. David, in spirit, called Him __________, giving honor to Him as God. Matthew 22:___

Matthew 23

Man often uses his religion to exalt himself. The scribes and Pharisees did many things so that men would notice them, but they did not practice what they preached. The Lord Jesus not only wants us to know the truth but to live it as well.

The Lord makes a statement that is the very opposite of how man thinks. He says, Humble yourself and you shall be exalted, but man exalts himself in order to get ahead in this world. How unlike the One who, though over all, “humbled Himself ... even to the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Many people observe religious ceremonies but their hearts are far from God. This may make them feel good, but what the Lord is really looking for is righteous “judgment, mercy, and faith,” more than tithe of mint and anise.

Today some say, “If we were living when Jesus was on earth, we would not have crucified Him.” The scribes and Pharisees were saying the same thing about the treatment their fathers gave the prophets before them. The Lord Jesus mentioned the prophet Zacharias who was slain long ago, but now He was going to send other prophets who would receive the same treatment by the present generation, showing that over the years the heart of man had not changed.

God’s grace is greater than all man’s evil, and He will have disciples who have trusted in Him and are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. They will sing to the praise of His eternal glory!

1. The Bible tells us that the works and the teachings of the Lord Jesus are the same (Acts 1:1). The scribes and Pharisees were very different. They said lots of things but did not __________ them. Matthew 23:___

2. In the world to come, what type of person will be exalted? __________ Matthew 23:___

3. What did the Lord Jesus tell the Pharisees was more important than paying tithes of mint, anise and cummin? __________ Matthew 23:___

4. Zacharias (Zechariah) the son of Barachias wrote the next-to-last book in the Old Testament. Though he was killed by the Jews, Jesus said he had __________ blood. Matthew 23:___

5. In a future day when the Jews see the Lord Jesus, they will have to say that He is __________. Matthew 23:___

Matthew 24

Almost everyone is interested in coming events. The Lord’s disciples were no different. They wanted to know what would happen in the future. Perhaps they were looking forward to seeing more prosperous and peaceful days during their lifetime, without any wars, but the Lord painted a very dark picture for them. Those who know Jesus as Savior today will be taken to be with Him before this terrible time falls upon the world in the last days. Judgment is God’s “strange work” (Isaiah 28:21). He takes no pleasure in judgment, so He will shorten the period of great tribulation for the sake of His elect. This should stir us up to warn sinners to “flee from the wrath to come” and to thank the Lord Jesus for keeping us “from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (Revelation 3:10).

God, in His mercy, has given us a book, the Bible, which records past history and tells of future events. What He has told us is more stable than heaven and earth. Do you ever thank the Lord Jesus for the Bible? It is God’s personal letter to you and me.

There was a great flood in the days of Noah because of man’s wickedness. We are told that the Son of Man will execute judgment again, taking away the wicked while they are working in the field, in the mill, or wherever they may be. We should expect the Lord to return any day and not be like the evil servant who lived like the ungodly around him.

1. Before the Lord Jesus comes again, there will not be world peace but lots of __________. Matthew 24:___

2. Unbelievers will know that we are the Lord’s disciples if we love one another (John 13:35). Because iniquity shall abound in the last days, what will happen to the love of many? __________ Matthew 24:___

3. The days of tribulation that are coming upon the world will be so awful that the Lord says the days will be __________. Matthew 24:___

4. The heaven and earth that we can see will pass away, but one thing will never pass away. What is it? __________ Matthew 24:___

5. An evil servant does evil things with his fellow-servants because he says in his heart, “My lord __________ his coming.” Matthew 24:___

Matthew 25

Have you ever heard the gospel preached from the parable of the ten virgins? Did you ever wonder how five of them could be so foolish as to take no oil? Yet there are multitudes today who have only a lamp of profession. That is, they have a religion but not a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Soon the opportunity to be saved will be past and the door of grace will be forever closed.

We are thankful that the Lord did not come before we heard the gospel and received the forgiveness of all our sins. May such love encourage us to serve Him as He enables us with the talents we have received, for all have at least one talent.

The Lord Jesus takes the title of “Son of Man” when He acts in judgment (John 5:27) over all the nations and none will refuse to keep this appointment. His eye is on His sheep, and all the good works that are done out of love for the Lord He will reward in the coming earthly kingdom. But what about those who despise the good news of God’s king? He will say to these on His left hand, “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Surely, it is “a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

1. Oil is a picture of the Holy Spirit who dwells in the believer today. What did the five wise virgins have in their vessels that the foolish virgins did not have? __________ Matthew 25:___

2. What did the Lord say to the five foolish virgins who came after the door was shut? __________ Matthew 25:___

3. The servant who hid the one talent he was given had harsh thoughts about his master and was __________. Matthew 25:___

4. The King (the Son of Man) had a blessing for the sheep on His right hand: “Inherit the __________. Matthew 25:___

5. What judgment did the King have for the goats on His left hand? __________ Matthew 25:___

Matthew 26

Now we are coming to the final days of the Lord’s journey before going to Jerusalem to die on the cross. The Passover lamb spoken of in Exodus 12 was a picture of God’s Son who would lay down His life so that we could be delivered from the bondage of our sins.

Notice how carefully the Bible describes the attitudes of all involved during those last few days. The chief priests and scribes were crafty and did not want to cause an uproar on the feast day, but in this they failed because we read that “a tumult was made” (Matthew 27:24). Then, a woman revealed the affections of her heart for the Lord by pouring very precious ointment on His head. How the disciples felt about this “waste” is mentioned in verse 8 as “indignation.” God knows how we feel about things, even when we don’t say a word.

The disciples did not decide among themselves where would be a good place to keep the feast of unleavened bread (also called the Passover); they asked the Lord for directions. The Bible has instructions to guide believers today to where the Lord would be in the midst (Matthew 18:20).

When the Lord said that one of them would betray Him, they were exceeding sorrowful. They began to say, “Lord, is it I?” for they did not trust themselves, but the next moment, led by Peter’s example of self-confidence, none of the disciples thought that they would ever deny their Lord. They were willing in spirit but didn’t realize how weak their flesh was.

Repentance is of the Lord, and it is the goodness of God that leads us to repent (Romans 2:4). If we were left to ourselves, we would all choose to continue in our sins. Judas was a covetous person who betrayed the Lord Jesus for 30 pieces of silver because he loved money. Peter, on the other hand, loved the Lord, but he was self-confident, thinking that he would never deny his master. “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26). Isn’t this a lesson we often have to learn?

1. The Lord Jesus said He would be crucified during the feast of the Passover. The Jewish leaders did not want this to take place during that time because they were afraid of what among the people? __________ Matthew 26:___

2. Rather than relying on their own thoughts, the disciples asked the Lord Jesus where He wanted them to __________ the Passover feast for them to eat. Matthew 26:___

3. When the Lord said that one of His disciples would betray Him, they began to say, “Lord, is it I?” What did Judas say? __________ Matthew 26:___

4. Even though Peter did later deny the Lord Jesus three times, Peter said beforehand that he would never do that. How many of the other disciples said the same thing? __________ Matthew 26:___

5. When their sin was found out, Peter and Judas did two very different things. What did Peter do? __________ Matthew 26:___

Matthew 27

The picture grows darker as we enter this chapter. Those who should have led the people in the right way are leading them to perform the most wicked act this world has ever seen. The Jewish leaders had already delivered Jesus to the Roman authorities, and Judas realized that this time Jesus was not going to escape, so he returned the 30 pieces of silver, saying that he had betrayed innocent blood. This testimony did not bother the chief priests and elders in the least, for their hearts were hardened and determined to get rid of Jesus. However, being under Roman authority, they were not allowed to put a man to death, so they delivered him to Pilate to crucify Him, as the Lord said they would (John 12:32-33).

Do you think God will ever forget what man did to His beloved Son? Pilate tried to excuse himself by taking water, washing his hands and saying, “I am innocent.” Was he? No! Neither are people today innocent, but they can have their sins washed away in the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19)!

God allowed man to do this awful deed because His love was greater than man’s hatred, and He wanted to be “a just God and a Savior,” saying, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45:21-22).

At the ninth hour, after three hours of total darkness, the Lord cried out, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Do you know the answer to that question? I do. It was for me that He was forsaken, for He paid the penalty I deserved. My sins were laid on Him and He suffered in my place on the cross. It was for you too, if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.

There were some there that day who did not go along with the crowd. A rich man named Joseph was a disciple who loved the Lord and wanted to do what he could for Him. We are living in the twenty-first century. Is there something we can do for the Lord?

1. Judas told the chief priests and elders that he had sinned and that the Lord Jesus was __________. Matthew 27:___

2. Although the chief priests and elders accused Jesus of many things, what did Pilate know was the real reason why they had delivered Jesus to him? __________ Matthew 27:___

3. In Psalm 51:7 David asked God to “wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” In our chapter, who took water and washed his hands? __________ Matthew 27:___

4. What did the Lord Jesus say at the ninth hour that was so important that it is recorded in two different languages? __________ Matthew 27:___

5. The Lord Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). What is the name of a rich man who was Jesus’ disciple? __________ Matthew 27:___

Matthew 28

It was their love for the Lord Jesus that brought these devoted women to the sepulcher very early on the first day of the week. They need not have worried about who would roll back the stone from the door because the angel of the Lord had already done this, not to let the Lord out, but to show the world He was not there. He was risen!

Great joy filled the hearts of these women as they ran to bring the good news to the Lord’s disciples. Would those who hated the Lord now be persuaded who He was and repent of their sins? No, they heard what the soldiers had to say and then made up a story which is commonly reported to this day by those who would not “be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

Nazareth, where Jesus was brought up, was in Galilee. That is the area where He began His ministry (Luke 23:5) and that is where He ends with His loved disciples. Have you ever heard, “Don’t be a doubting Thomas”? Well, when the 11 disciples saw the Lord, they worshipped, but some doubted — Thomas was not alone! Thomas is also called Didymus, which means “a twin.” Perhaps we are his twin, for we often doubt the Lord instead of trusting.

Although the word “trinity” is not found in the Bible, the three Persons of the Godhead — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit — are mentioned in one verse in which the disciples are sent to teach worldwide. What a comfort it must have been to the Lord’s followers that He would always be with them, no matter where they went.

As we conclude this lovely Gospel, may we remember that God’s promise still stands: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

1. The angel showed the women that the Lord was risen from the dead. What day of the week did this happen? __________ Matthew 28:___

2. A little while ago, these women were filled with sorrow at the cross. Now what filled their hearts as they ran to bring the disciples word of His resurrection? __________ Matthew 28:___

3. The soldiers were paid to tell a lie about Jesus’ empty tomb that is __________ reported among the Jews to this day. Matthew 28:___

4. A certain area is mentioned three times in this chapter. Where was the mountain where Jesus appointed the disciples to go? __________ Matthew 28:___

5. The three Persons of the Godhead are named in this chapter. They are: __________ Matthew 28:___

Mark 1

The Gospel according to Mark presents the Lord Jesus to us as the perfect servant. Mark failed as a servant, for he deserted the Apostle Paul and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 12:25; 13:13), but afterwards he was restored and became profitable for the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. In this Gospel, “straightway” is used about 40 times, for a servant does what he is told “immediately.” Are we quick to obey the Word of God?

For the first time in this world’s history, a man appears in whom God is well pleased, perfect in all His ways, words and thoughts. Little wonder that the angelic host breaks out saying, “Glory to God in the highest.”

The disciples were busy at work when the Lord called them to follow Him. Simon and Andrew were casting a net into the sea, and James and John were busy mending their nets. The Lord was busy teaching the multitudes, healing the sick and casting out unclean spirits with authority, and yet He got up very early in the morning to pray. Do we follow such a wonderful example and make time for prayer, or are we too busy?

The Lord never healed people in an unfeeling manner. How often was He moved with compassion towards those who were either infirm or sorrowing, entering into the suffering caused by sin. Do you know of any who came to Jesus for healing and went away disappointed? Here comes a leper, and he knows the Lord can make him clean again, but he doesn’t know if He is willing. He soon finds out and, as a result, tells all he meets about what great things the Lord has done for him. Do we tell others about our Savior?

1. What is the very first thing that Mark wants us to know about who Jesus Christ is? __________ Mark 1:___

2. God the Father said, “Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well __________” as the Holy Spirit was like a dove descending upon Him. Mark 1:___

3. Even though we may be busy, it is always good to obey the Lord when He speaks. When Jesus said to Simon and Andrew, “Come ye after Me,” what word describes how quickly they left their nets and followed Jesus? __________ Mark 1:___

4. The people were astonished that the Lord taught with such __________. Later He used that same power to command the unclean spirits. Mark 1:___

5. The leper knew that the Lord had the power to heal him, but he didn’t know if the Lord was willing to heal him. How did Jesus respond that removed all doubt? __________ Mark 1:___

Mark 2

News travels quickly. It was reported that the Lord Jesus had returned and, without waiting for an invitation, a multitude gathered at a certain man’s house. Would you like it if a big hole were made in the roof of your house? Some of those who wanted to see Jesus made a big hole in the roof of the house where He was. But the Lord did not complain, because He knew that those who did it had faith in Him. Without faith in the Lord Jesus we cannot please God and our sins cannot be forgiven. Although almost all the people had to stand, there were some called scribes sitting there who didn’t think that Jesus could forgive sins. They didn’t realize that He was God. To heal a man sick of the palsy was very easy for Him to do, but to forgive his sins, the Lord Jesus had to die!

Do you think that religious people would invite publicans and sinners into their homes to eat? That is what the Lord Jesus did. He turned none away.

We don’t like to go hungry, do we? It seems as if the Lord’s disciples did not have enough to eat. They had to go out to the cornfields to find corn. How poor the Lord and His disciples were! Was He not Creator of all things and King of Israel? Yet He was here as poor and “despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3).

1. What did the Lord Jesus see in the man sick with the palsy and his four friends so that He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee”? __________ Mark 2:___

2. The scribes reasoned about two things in their hearts: the first false; the second true. Who only did they think could forgive sins? __________ Mark 2:___

3. What kind of people did Jesus eat and drink with? __________ Mark 2:___

4. The Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Then who did the Lord Jesus come to call to repentance? __________ Mark 2:___

5. The Lord’s disciples were hungry, so they ate __________ as the law allowed (Deuteronomy 23:25), just like David and those with him had done. Mark 2:___

Mark 3

The Lord Jesus “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” The Sabbath day was as busy as any other day for Him. However, many preferred their religious observance of this day rather than the grace and healing that the Lord provided. Their hard hearts did not prevent Him from doing a good work on the Sabbath, even though the Pharisees and the Herodians wanted to destroy Him for doing it.

What a busy servant the Lord was! In grace He called 12 men to share in the work and in the preaching. Then He called the scribes to show how wrong they were in saying that these wonderful works were of Satan. If Satan’s house were divided, it could not stand.

There were so many people surrounding the Lord that His own family had to stand afar off. Then the Lord said that those who did the will of God were “My brother, and My sister, and mother.” You can be brought into the family of God by receiving the Lord Jesus as your Savior today.

1. On a Sabbath day, when a man had a withered hand, how did the Lord feel about the hardness of hearts that tried to stop Him from healing the man? __________ Mark 3:___

2. What did the Pharisees and other leaders want to do to Jesus because He healed the man? __________ Mark 3:___

3. The Lord chose 12 men that they should be __________ Him and to send them out to preach and heal. Mark 3:___

4. Satan is compared to a strong man. Before the Lord Jesus can enter his house and spoil it, what must He do? __________ Mark 3:___

5. Who did the Lord Jesus say are His brother, sister and mother? __________ Mark 3:___

Mark 4

This chapter mentions some of the things that the Lord said in parables. A parable is a story that teaches us a lesson. Often, if the parable is too hard, we need someone to explain it to us. Did you guess that the seed the sower planted was the Word of God? The disciples did not know until the Lord explained the parable to them. Only the seed that fell on good ground produced fruit for the sower. We can only have fruitful lives if we follow the Word of God.

Have you ever sung the song, “Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine”? It was taken from verse 21 of our chapter. The Lord wants Christians to shine as a candle in a dark place, giving light to those who are in sin’s darkness.

Can you imagine an herb growing to the size of a tree? In a garden of herbs, the mustard seed is the least of all. After growing and serving its purpose, if left uncared for, it will grow so big that it overshadows the other herbs. The purpose of the gospel is to save precious souls, not to make the world a better place in which to live.

When Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side,” do you think He was going to let them perish in the middle of the lake? No, He was going to test their little faith and then show them that everything was under His control. As a man He would sleep, but as the Lord, the Savior and the friend, He awoke and said, “Peace, be still,” and there was a great calm.

1. The seed that fell on stony ground sprang up quickly. Why did it wither away so quickly? __________ Mark 4:___

2. The Lord Jesus spoke in __________ to those that were without, because they were without faith. Mark 4:___

3. Name the two places where you do not want to put a candle. __________ Mark 4:___

4. What type of seed is very small, yet it can grow so big that the birds of the air lodge under its shadow? __________ Mark 4:___

5. When the Lord arose from sleep, what did He say to make the wind stop and to bring such a great calm? __________ Mark 4:___

Mark 5

In chapter 4, the Lord said, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” Now we read, “They came over unto the other side.” The Lord always fulfills His Word, even though a storm may come into our lives.

A wild man with an unclean spirit met the Lord when He came out of the ship. This man was like many today, living among the dead with an old nature that cannot be controlled. The Lord Jesus delivered this poor man who was now seen “sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind.” Were the people of that area happy to be free of a man possessed with a devil, or were they sad that their swine (pigs) perished in the sea? They were sad, and the healed man was glad. They wanted Jesus to leave, but he wanted to be with the Lord Jesus.

Twelve years is a long time to be sick and seeing doctors. First one doctor tried to help the sick woman, then another and another, until all her money was gone. One day she heard that Jesus was passing by and knew that He could heal her. Her faith was rewarded, and she went to her house healed and in peace.

Was the Lord too late by the time He arrived at Jairus’s house? Remember that He is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25), and soon all will be raised — some for eternal judgment and some for eternal blessing. When He took that girl’s hand, death had to leave, and she got up and walked around the room. What a blessed Savior we have, and His love is as great as His power.

1. Most people live in comfortable homes. Where did the man with an unclean spirit spend his nights and days? __________ Mark 5:___

2. When the people from the city and the country saw what was done for the man possessed with the devil, what did they want Jesus to do? __________ Mark 5:___

3. Jesus is Lord. When the healed man was sent home to tell “how great things the Lord hath done,” what did he begin to publish in Decapolis? __________ Mark 5:___

4. A certain woman who had been bleeding for 12 years thought that by just touching the Lord’s clothes, she would be healed. What made her whole (healed) of her plague? __________ Mark 5:___

5. When Jesus came to the ruler’s house, many wept and wailed. What did they do when the Lord said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth”? __________ Mark 5:___

Mark 6

After being away on a long trip, we all enjoy getting back again. In this chapter, the Lord Jesus came back to His own country. It was His custom to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. They should have received what He taught and did, for they knew Him and His brothers and sisters. Their unbelief caused the Lord to marvel, and because of it, He could not do a mighty work there and went elsewhere.

There was much territory to cover, so the 12 apostles were sent out two by two to preach and to work miracles in other cities. When Herod heard what was being done in the name of the Lord, his conscience bothered him. He had slain John the Baptist and now he thought that John had risen again. What an awful thing it is to have a bad conscience for all eternity! If we receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, He can give us a good conscience.

Multitudes were always following Jesus, but we don’t read that He became impatient with them. Instead, He was moved with compassion toward them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. The hungry crowd would have been sent away by the disciples with nothing to eat, but the Lord gave thanks for a few loaves and fishes and fed them all. Not only were they filled, but there were taken up 12 baskets full of fragments.

Finally, He sent the people away and the disciples got into a boat to cross the sea. A contrary wind blew, making it very hard to row. The Lord saw the entire situation. If you are passing through a difficult situation, be sure that the Lord knows about it! There is not a contrary wind that enters our lives, except allowed by the Lord for our good.

1. The Lord Jesus came from a large family with brothers and sisters. What is the name of one of His brothers? __________ Mark 6:___

2. A centurion, who was a Gentile, had such great faith that Jesus marveled (Matthew 8:10). Why did the Lord marvel at the Jews? __________ Mark 6:___

3. When the fame of the Lord Jesus was spread abroad, Herod thought that John the Baptist had __________. Mark 6:___

4. After the Lord Jesus fed about 5000 men with five loaves and two fishes, how many baskets of fragments (leftovers) did they collect? __________ Mark 6:___

5. There are many strong winds that blow into our lives. For the disciples, the wind ceased when Jesus __________. Mark 6:___

Mark 7

Not all traditions are bad, but one that is contrary to the teaching of the Bible is wrong. Perhaps you can think of some that people keep which the Word of God condemns.

The Pharisees and the scribes were very careful about the tradition of washing hands, cups, pots and tables, but showed little concern about having a clean heart.

What a privilege we have in showing honor to our parents. Sometimes we forget this and disobey or say what is not pleasing to them. In the Old Testament, God said that if a child cursed father or mother, he was to be put to death; it was the law, without grace.

Next, we find that many things are mentioned that defile a man, but they all come from within his evil heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). When we receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, He gives us a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).

In the Gospel by Mark, a Gentile woman is the only person who calls Jesus “Lord.” She was willing to take the place of a little dog under a table, just to get some of the blessing that the Lord was freely giving. Only as we humble ourselves can the Lord bring blessing into our lives as He did into hers.

What a hard case we have next, but “is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). He sighed over this pitiful man, then spoke a word and healed him. He wasn’t looking for public praise, for He said, “Tell no man.” The astonished people said, “He hath done all things well.” How true these words are!

1. The Pharisees and all the Jews would __________ their hands often in order to not break the tradition of their elders. Mark 7:___

2. Under the law of Moses, what would happen to anyone who cursed his father or mother? __________ Mark 7:___

3. What one word describes the many various things that come from within the heart of man and defile him? __________ Mark 7:___

4. The Syrophenician woman was willing to take the place of __________ under the table to get a crumb of blessing. Mark 7:___

5. When the Lord healed the poor man’s ears and tongue, the astonished people said, “He hath done all things __________.” Mark 7:___

Mark 8

How compassionate a man the Lord Jesus was! Unlike ourselves, He was always thinking of others. The great multitude that followed them had come from afar and were now hungry. When the disciples asked how it was possible for anyone to feed so many people in a wilderness place, it appears that they had already forgotten about the feeding of the 5000.

If we have much food or little food, we should always give thanks when we sit down to eat. When the Lord multiplied all this food, it was a great sign, or miracle, but it did not change the hearts of the Pharisees as to who the Lord was — they seek for a sign, or miracle, from heaven. Everything that the Lord did was a sign from heaven!

The town of Bethsaida, where so many works had been done (Matthew 11:21), is not where the blind man was going to be healed. At first, he looked up and saw “men as trees, walking.” (Often we see men to be bigger than they are.) When the Lord touched him again, he saw clearly.

The Lord told His disciples exactly what would befall Him beforehand, but when it actually came to pass, they had forgotten or were very surprised. Much unbelief was in their hearts, as in ours, for they were clearly told that three days after being killed, He would rise again.

Many wanted to follow the Lord, but discipleship would cost something. It was a price that few would be willing to pay. Whoever would follow or come after Him would have to deny himself, take up his cross and follow the Lord. May we be given grace to be true disciples (followers) of the Lord.

1. After the Lord commanded the people to sit down and before He broke the seven loaves for His disciples to distribute, what did He do? __________ Mark 8:___

2. The Lord Jesus had just performed a great miracle in feeding 4000 people. The Pharisees sought of Him a sign from heaven. Really, they were __________ Him. Mark 8:___

3. When the Lord Jesus asked the blind man if he saw anything, his first reply was that he saw men walking like __________. Mark 8:___

4. After the Son of Man suffers and is killed, what remarkable thing would He do after three days? __________ Mark 8:___

5. The Lord said that whoever wanted to follow Him would have to deny himself and take up his __________. Mark 8:___

Mark 9

What a privilege it was for Peter, James and John to see the kingdom of God come with power on that high mountain. Peter wanted to build three tabernacles, one for the Lord, one for Moses and one for Elias (Elijah). But God said, “This is My beloved Son: hear Him.” No man was to be put on the same level as the Lord Jesus Christ. That is why, when they looked round about, they saw no man anymore, save Jesus only with themselves.

While they were on the mountain, the other disciples could not cast out a demon. Evil spirits hate people and try to destroy them if they can, but this demon was powerless to disobey the Lord. The disciples had no power in this case because they had not been praying and fasting. If we do not pray and deny ourselves, we too will be as weak as the disciples.

Don’t you think that after the Lord told His followers that He would be killed, they would be filled with sorrow? Instead, they were disputing who among themselves should be the greatest in the kingdom of God. The lesson of the little child taught them to be very humble, instead of very great.

There are many things that will keep people from going to heaven. They may like to do things (the hands) that are evil, see things (the eyes) that are evil or go to places (the feet) that are evil. It would be better to lose an eye than to be cast into hell fire.

1. On the mount of transfiguration, for whom did Peter want to make three tabernacles? __________ Mark 9:___

2. After a voice came out of the cloud and Peter, James and John looked around, did they see any other man besides Jesus? __________ Mark 9:___

3. Why did the demon cast the child into the fire and into the waters? __________ Mark 9:___

4. Just after Jesus told His disciples that He would be killed, what did they dispute among themselves about? __________ Mark 9:___

5. If your eye causes you to sin, then it is better to lose an eye so that you can enter __________. Mark 9:___

Mark 10

Great multitudes were following the Lord as He taught and healed them. When we read the Bible, the Lord is still willing to teach us if we want to learn. The Pharisees were not really willing to learn. They often tried to trap the Lord with their questions. In the matter of divorce, the Lord Jesus took them back to the beginning of creation when God made male and female.

How the Lord loved the little children! He said that we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child, or we would not enter into it. He not only touched these children, but He took them up in His arms and blessed them.

Don’t you think that the rich young man was very earnest? He came running and then kneeled before the Lord. As a boy, he was probably well-behaved, for he tried to keep the commandments. The one thing he seemed to lack was faith in the Lord Jesus. But this is the only way to receive eternal life. He went away grieved, because he chose great possessions rather than following the Lord.

As they continued on their journey to Jerusalem, the Lord was calm, but the disciples were afraid of the danger that lay ahead. The Lord said He would be put to death, and on the third day He would rise again. How soon the disciples forgot what He told them!

As they journeyed through Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimeus inquired as to why such a great crowd was passing by. The people said they were following Jesus of Nazareth. Then why did he cry out, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me”? He had God-given faith to see that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of David. He received spiritual sight first, and then the Lord gave him natural sight. Do you know what the poor beggar did that the rich young man didn’t do? He followed Jesus in the way!

1. When did God make them male and female? __________ Mark 10:___

2. What did Jesus say to the disciples who rebuked those that brought young children to Him? __________ Mark 10:___

3. The man who wanted to know what to do to inherit eternal life went away sad and grieved. Why? __________ Mark 10:___

4. When the Lord Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He told the 12 disciples what would happen to Him. After He was killed, He would rise again on the __________ day. Mark 10:___

5. The people told blind Bartimeus that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. What was the blind man’s one request? __________ Mark 10:___

Mark 11

The Lord was getting nearer to Jerusalem. When they reached the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciples to bring a colt, that was probably not tame, for the Lord to ride upon. Because “the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) are His, He could claim the colt and tame it.

How rightly the Lord deserved the praise rendered that day by His disciples! But He didn’t stay in that religious city, because their leaders were about to reject Him completely. He returned to Bethany where Martha, Mary and Lazarus lived.

The Lord desired fruit from Israel, but under the law, they could bear no fruit for God. They had a profession — plenty of leaves on the fig tree — but no fruit. Only faith in God, not works, can produce fruit.

When Jesus began to cleanse the temple, the scribes and chief priests sought to destroy Him. They were making the house of God a den of thieves.

Peter remembered what the Lord had said about the fig tree and noticed how quickly it had withered away. It was a picture of Israel, soon to lose their place and nation and wither away. Later on, God will reverse the future of this fig tree; see Mark 13:27-29. Until then, the Lord’s disciples are exhorted to have faith in God, pray believingly and have a forgiving spirit.

Men like to bestow authority upon one another. They thought that the Lord should be subject to their authority. The chief priests, scribes and elders set themselves up to judge His authority, but He told them to first decide the source of John’s authority. They could not do it. Then how could they judge as to the source of the Lord’s authority?

1. When someone would ask the disciples why they were loosing the colt, they were to say that the Lord had __________ of him. Mark 11:___

2. When the Lord was hungry and came to a fig tree, did He find any fruit on it? __________ Mark 11:___

3. Instead of the temple being a __________ of prayer for all nations, it had become a den of thieves. Mark 11:___

4. What happened to the fig tree that the Lord had cursed? __________ Mark 11:___

5. The chief priests, scribes and elders said they could not tell who gave authority to John the Baptist. So the Lord Jesus said, “__________ do I tell you.” Mark 11:___

Mark 12

Often, when the Lord Jesus spoke in parables, people did not understand what was said, but in this chapter, they knew that the parable applied to them. Did not the owner of the vineyard have a right to receive the fruit of the vineyard? Why did the husbandmen treat his servants so badly? And above all, how wicked they were to kill his only well-beloved son!

When men heard the Lord’s words, they either confessed their sinfulness or hardened their hearts. The Pharisees and Herodians wanted to catch Him in His words. With them, there was no sign of repentance. Do you think anyone can trick the Lord? He knew their thoughts and motives, and He knows ours too! They were Israel’s leaders and were about to reject the stone whom God means to exalt to be the head of the corner.

A Christian is to be subject to the authorities of the land and render (pay) his share of taxes, or tribute, because the authorities maintain peace in the land and punish those that do evil. We are even told to pray for them “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life” (1 Timothy 2:2).

Death does not end it all. There is a resurrection. Jesus said that all “shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). We do good by receiving the Lord Jesus into our hearts as our Savior.

The scribe who came next knew the law very well. But he did not know the grace that was in Jesus Christ. He was not far from the kingdom of God.

Not too many people would say that two mites are a lot of money. But that is all that this poor widow had! Why didn’t she cast one mite into the treasury and keep the other one for herself? Because she loved the Lord so much that, out of her want, she gave Him all that she had. Do we love the Lord that much?

1. After having sent many servants, whom did the lord of the vineyard send to receive the fruit of the vineyard? __________ Mark 12:___

2. What happened to the stone (the Lord Jesus Christ) which the builders rejected? __________ Mark 12:___

3. When the Pharisees and the Herodians asked the Lord if it was lawful to give tribute to Cæsar, to whom, beside Cæsar, did He say they should render something? __________ Mark 12:___

4. When Jesus answered the Sadducees about the resurrection, He said they erred in not knowing two things. What were they? __________ Mark 12:___

5. In contrast to the rich who gave out of their abundance, Jesus said the poor widow gave more because she gave “__________ her living.” Mark 12:___

Mark 13

Large stone buildings often impress us. In awe, the disciples called the Lord’s attention to the great buildings in Jerusalem, but He said that they would all be cast down. What we see in the world today will soon be torn down too. “The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:11). That will be a day of judgment for the wicked and of trial for believers. The Lord will be with His own during the trial, and when they are brought before rulers and kings, the Holy Spirit will tell them what to speak. How good it is to wait on the Lord so that we can give our friends and neighbors a word from God. The Lord even tells His own where to flee. He has a hiding place for them in the mountains of Judea!

Not everyone speaks the truth today. We must see if what people say agrees with what the Bible says. The Lord warned that false Christs and false prophets would try to seduce the elect people of God. If the disciples were real and had faith in Christ, they would be preserved through those terrible days.

Many people make predictions, and they never come to pass. However, when the Lord says that something will take place, we can be sure it will come to pass. The outlook for this world is judgment before blessing. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but before then, all those that love the Lord Jesus will be caught up to be forever with Himself.

1. Regarding the buildings of the temple, Jesus said there will not be left one __________ that would not be thrown down. Mark 13:___

2. In the coming terrible days of tribulation, when the disciples will be delivered up to councils, they are not to take thought beforehand, or premeditate, how they should answer because who will give them the words to say? __________ Mark 13:___

3. When the disciples see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not, where are they to run or flee to? __________ Mark 13:___

4. False Christs and false prophets will do signs and wonders hoping to __________ even the elect. Mark 13:___

5. The Lord Jesus said that heaven and earth shall pass away, but what will never pass away? __________ Mark 13:___

Mark 14

In this chapter the chief priests and scribes wanted to put the Lord Jesus to death, but not on the Passover day. However, when John the Baptist saw the Lord Jesus, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The Apostle Paul said that “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Man was not going to keep the Lord from being the Passover lamb.

The woman of Bethany must have really loved the Lord to use all that precious ointment on Him! She knew that the Lord was going to Jerusalem to die and wanted to anoint Him before it was too late. While able, are we willing to do something for the Lord Jesus? What she did would never be forgotten.

Judas Iscariot was a covetous man and this sin was the cause of his death. It is better to judge sin in our lives before it gets the mastery over us.

The disciples didn’t decide among themselves where would be a good place to keep the Passover. They asked the Lord where to go and prepare the Passover. If we are the Lord’s disciples, we should ask Him where we should “offer the sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15) and not decide for ourselves. After they kept the Passover, the Lord took bread and told them it was a picture of His body, which was given for them. Then He took the cup and said that the fruit of the vine was a picture of His blood, which was shed for many. The disciples must have been sad as they were told of His death, but before leaving, they sang a hymn. What an example for us! Do we sing when we are sad?

Today, self-confidence is being taught everywhere. Peter was self-confident. Do you think Peter ever thought he would deny his Lord? Let’s pray that we be preserved in humility and dependence, not trusting our own hearts, for God says, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Proverbs 28:26).

We kiss someone whom we love. Judas used this sign of affection to betray the Lord Jesus. He was completely under Satan’s control. Now that they had their prisoner, they needed to charge Him with a crime. This was hard to do, for the Lord Jesus was the only perfect man who ever lived. There were many false witnesses, but they couldn’t agree. When He said that “the Son of Man” would sit “on the right hand of power” and come “in the clouds of heaven,” they charged Him with blasphemy.

Poor Peter. First he was sleeping in the garden, and then he followed the Lord afar off. Next we find him warming himself at the enemy’s fire and, finally, denying the Lord thrice (three times). Peter wept, because he really loved the Lord. Don’t we feel badly when we do things that displease our Savior?

1. When Jesus was in Simon’s house, what did a woman pour on Jesus’ head? __________ Mark 14:___

2. When the Lord sent two of His disciples into the city to prepare the Passover, what was the man they were going to meet carrying? __________ Mark 14:___

3. What token had Judas Iscariot mentioned to the chief priests, scribes and elders by which he would point out the Lord Jesus to them? __________ Mark 14:___

4. The high priest asked the Lord Jesus, “Art thou the Christ, the __________ of the Blessed?” Mark 14:___

5. After the second time that Peter denied knowing Jesus, what did the cock do that reminded him of the Lord’s words? __________ Mark 14:___

Mark 15

We now come to the darkest page of man’s history. What an awful thing it was for man, the creature, to reject and then crucify his Creator!

Pilate could find no evil in the Lord Jesus, because He was perfect. Although they accused Him of many things, the Lord was silent and did not try to defend Himself. Pilate knew that the chief priests had delivered Him for envy. He should have released Jesus and had Barabbas put to death. Satan was moving all against Christ, both Jews and Gentiles.

Having mocked the Son of God, they led Him away to Golgotha (Calvary) and crucified Him. Why did they do this? Could they accuse Him of doing many evil things? Could they not find even one thing to write against Him? Evidently not. The only thing written over the cross was His title, “The King of the Jews.” Some people stood there; some passed by and spoke against Him. They said many things, mocking the silent sufferer. Do you think that if Christ had come down from the cross, they would have believed on Him? Read John 12:1,10.

What strange things the people witnessed that day! At noon it became dark, there was a violent earthquake, graves were opened, and the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom.

The centurion had seen many men die, but never like this Man. He said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” Do you believe that, my dear friend? He certainly is the Son of God who became a man so that He could die for you and me. All those who receive Him as their Savior will have their sins forgiven, because “the blood of Jesus Christ ... cleanseth us from all sin.”

1. When the chief priests accused the Lord Jesus of many things, what did He answer? __________ Mark 15:___

2. The multitude desired Pilate to release __________ unto them, a man who was in prison for murder. Mark 15:___

3. What accusation against the Lord Jesus was written over the cross? __________ Mark 15:___

4. The chief priests said, “He saved others”; this was true. What else did they add, mocking Christ, that was not true? __________ Mark 15:___

5. The centurion, a Gentile captain over 100 soldiers, gave his testimony as he watched the Lord Jesus die. What did he say? __________ Mark 15:___

Mark 16

What a surprise awaited the women as they approached the sepulcher early in the morning on the first day of the week! The stone was rolled away, and when they looked inside, an angel was there, but not the Lord. The angel knew that the women were looking for Jesus of Nazareth and told them that He was risen. What astonishment must have filled their hearts as they ran to carry such wonderful tidings to the disciples! But, strange to say, when Mary Magdalene told them that He was alive, they didn’t believe her. It was not until He appeared to the 11 disciples and sat with them that they realized it was true. Now the Lord wanted them to carry the good news to all the world. The Lord enabled them to perform wonderful miracles, so that people could be sure that the gospel was true. Do you think that after the Lord went back to heaven, the apostles were left alone? No; the Lord would be working with them (as with us), in all that is done for Him.

1. What time of day was it when the women came to the sepulcher? __________ Mark 16:___

2. The women sought Jesus of Nazareth, who had been crucified, but He was not in the tomb. Why? __________ Mark 16:___

3. When Mary Magdalene told the disciples that Jesus was alive and that she had seen Him, how did they respond to her report? __________ Mark 16:___

4. After the Lord was risen, He told His disciples to go into all the world and __________. Mark 16:___

5. The Lord is sitting on the right hand of God. Even from there, He is still __________ with His disciples and confirming His Word with signs and miracles. Mark 16:___

Luke 1

Luke was known as “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), and he often accompanied the Apostle Paul in his travels. God also used him to write the third book in the New Testament. His name means “a light,” but he tells us of One who came as “a light to lighten the Gentiles.”

About 400 years had passed since God last communicated with His people. When Zacharias saw an angel, he was troubled and fear fell upon him. However, he and his wife were godly and kept the commandments and ordinances, so joy and gladness was to fill Zacharias’s heart at the birth of John. Then the angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth where Mary lived. She was to have a child and to name Him Jesus. He was holy and to be called the Son of God.

Zacharias didn’t believe what the angel said, but Mary did. She then went to visit her cousin in the hill country of Judah. How happy these dear women were! Elisabeth blessed Mary because she believed those things that were told her from the Lord. Then Mary’s heart broke forth in praise to God her Savior. In her song she relates the goodness of God in remembering His people Israel. He would fill the hungry among the people, and the rich who afflicted them would be sent away empty.

When John was born, the power of speech was returned to his father Zacharias, who then praised God for visiting and redeeming His people Israel. Redemption was not yet accomplished, but it certainly would be. Then he spoke of the child John, who would go before the face of the Lord and prepare the people to receive Him. John was a light in a dark place, shining among people who were sitting “in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

How thankful we should be that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

1. What does it say about Zacharias and Elisabeth concerning how they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord? __________ Luke 1:___

2. The same angel that appeared to Zacharias was also sent to a city named Nazareth in Galilee. What was the angel’s name? __________ Luke 1:___

3. Because Mary __________ what the angel told her, Elisabeth said she was blessed. Luke 1:___

4. Mary magnified the Lord and rejoiced in God her __________. Luke 1:___

5. What was John going to give to those who sat in darkness and the shadow of death? __________ Luke 1:___

Luke 2

It has been well said, “God is behind all the scenes, and He is moving all the scenes He is behind.” In this chapter we see how God caused Cæsar Augustus to make a decree so that the Lord Jesus would be born in Bethlehem of Judea instead of Nazareth, the city where Joseph and Mary were living.

What a wonderful event it was when the Lord Jesus came into this world! Was He born in a palace? No, He was born in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Although He was rich, yet He became poor and entered this world in very humble circumstances.

God sent His angel to tell the shepherds about this wonderful news. They saw a heavenly host praising God and decided to go to Bethlehem to see the cause of this great joy. Then they told others what they had seen and heard. Now they were glorifying and praising God also.

There were not many people who were waiting for the Lord Jesus to be born. This chapter mentions a man whose name was Simeon, who was just and devout and also waiting. After he saw the child Jesus, he was ready to die in peace because he had seen the One by whom God would bring salvation.

There was also a woman named Anna from the tribe of Aser (Asher). When she came into the temple that day, she gave thanks to God for coming into this world to redeem poor, lost sinners.

As the child Jesus grew, it was Joseph and Mary’s custom to go to Jerusalem every year to keep the feast of the Passover. One time, when Jesus was 12 years old, he stayed behind in the temple without telling His parents. They thought He was with their relatives, but He wasn’t. Sometimes we leave the Lord behind, and we don’t realize it, and then in sorrow we turn back again. How good it is to have the Lord Jesus with us wherever we go!

1. When everyone returned to their own city to be taxed, Joseph left Nazareth to go to Bethlehem in Judea because he belonged to the house and lineage of __________. Luke 2:___

2. The good tidings of great joy that the angels brought to the shepherds were not only for the people of Israel, but for __________. Luke 2:___

3. What was the name of a man who lived in Jerusalem who was just, devout and waiting for the consolation of Israel? __________ Luke 2:___

4. Anna was an 84-year-old widow who gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to whom? __________ Luke 2:___

5. How many days did it take before Joseph and Mary found Jesus in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors? __________ Luke 2:___

Luke 3

The beginning of chapter 3 gives us details of various rulers who were living at the time when John and the Lord Jesus were beginning their public ministry.

The word of God did not come to the religious people who lived in Jerusalem, but to John who was in the wilderness. Could it be because men had no heart for God in their religious ceremonies?

Many people went out to hear John preach, and some realized they were sinners and were baptized. John told the multitude that they must show their repentance by their works. The publicans and bad people believed Him, but the chief priests and elders of the people did not. Even the soldiers demanded of John, “And what shall we do?” It is always good to do what the Word of God says!

Then one day, Jesus came to be baptized by John and something took place that had never happened before: The heaven was opened, and a voice was heard which said, “Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.” Here was one person that God could find delight in, for He was sinless.

The end of this chapter gives us the genealogy of Joseph who was descended from King David all the way back to Adam, who was created by God.

1. Where was John the son of Zacharias when the word of God came to him? __________ Luke 3:___

2. John preached the baptism of __________ for the remission of sins. Luke 3:___

3. If the people who came to John did not show fruit that demonstrated the repentance of their hearts, what was God able to use to make children for Abraham? __________ Luke 3:___

4. When the Lord Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, what did the voice from heaven say? __________ Luke 3:___

5. God created Adam (Genesis 5:1), which is why he is referred to in this chapter as the son of __________. Luke 3:___

Luke 4

Before the Lord Jesus entered upon His public ministry, He was tested. Adam was tested in the Garden of Eden and failed. Here, the Lord was tempted for 40 days in the wilderness and didn’t fail. Each time, the Lord quoted the Bible to defeat the devil. That is the only way we, too, can overcome temptation.

As a boy, the Lord Jesus was in the synagogue on the Sabbath days to hear the Word of God. Perhaps your parents brought you to Sunday school so that you could learn about the Lord Jesus when you were young. If we learn to memorize verses from the Bible, we can later use them to witness to others who have never heard about God’s wonderful salvation.

The people in the synagogue wondered at the gracious words of the Lord Jesus, but they rejected Him. They were reminded that of old, God had blessing for a Gentile widow and for a Gentile leper. This made these Jewish people very angry, so that they thrust Him out of the city and tried to cast Him down over the brow of a hill.

Isn’t it strange to find a man with an unclean devil in a synagogue? And, these devils knew who the Lord Jesus was — “the Holy One of God.” And yet, God “made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

1. For how many days was Jesus tempted by the devil in the wilderness? __________ Luke 4:___

2. When Jesus was living in Nazareth where He was brought up, where was His custom or habit to go on the Sabbath day? __________ Luke 4:___

3. When the Lord Jesus spoke to the people that day, what kind of words came out of His mouth? __________ Luke 4:___

4. Shortly after, the attitude of the people completely changed and they were filled with __________ as they attempted to throw Him down headlong from the hill of their city. Luke 4:___

5. The unclean devil in a man had to admit that Jesus of Nazareth is __________. Luke 4:___

Luke 5

The Lord will be no man’s debtor. If Simon let the Lord use his ship, he would be repaid. So many fish landed in his net that it broke. There were so many fish that, when others came to help haul them in, their ships started to sink.

In the Old Testament, Elisha never touched Naaman the leper, but in our chapter, the Lord did touch a man who was full of leprosy. Jesus did not become defiled; rather, the leper became clean. A king once said that only God could recover a man of leprosy (2 Kings 5:7). Do you know who Jesus is?

Sin is a disease that afflicts all men, but many are not aware of it. The Pharisees and doctors of the law did not think they had this sin sickness. But the Lord had the power to heal them if they were only willing.

The scribes and Pharisees did not eat with publicans and sinners, because they thought they were righteous. However, the Lord Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Another thing that the followers of the Pharisees did was fast, or not eat food for a certain period of time. It is not a happy experience to go without eating. The Lord said that the days were coming when His disciples would fast because He (the bridegroom) would be taken from them. How happy they will be when He comes again! “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

1. The Lord told Simon to let down the nets, but he only let down one net. How many fish did they catch? __________ Luke 5:___

2. The Lord Jesus reached out His hand and __________ a man full of leprosy as He said, “I will; be thou clean.” Luke 5:___

3. What could the power of the Lord do for even the Pharisees and doctors of the law? __________ Luke 5:___

4. Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees that He did not come to call the righteous. Whom did He call to repentance? __________ Luke 5:___

5. During what days shall the disciples of the Lord fast? __________ Luke 5:___

Luke 6

Do you think the people showed the Lord and His disciples much hospitality? The reason the disciples had to pluck the ears of corn on the Sabbath day was because they were hungry. They didn’t have enough to eat, and this was God’s provision for the poor people (Deuteronomy 23:25). The Creator of all things, “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Before you make an important decision, do you pray about it? The Lord was about to choose 12 apostles from among His disciples. He spent the entire night in prayer before making this choice. What an example for us to follow! We are to make our requests with thanksgiving to God for every matter on our hearts.

The Lord did things without partiality. He was kind to all who came to Him. The whole multitude sought to touch Him, and all that did were healed.

Not only were His works great, but His words were full of grace and truth. They went beyond what was written in the Old Testament. There, Israel was told to destroy their enemies. Now, His disciples were told to love their enemies and to do good, because God is kind even to the unthankful and to the evil. In fact, those who heard the words of the Lord and did them are compared to a house whose foundation was built on a rock that could not be moved.

How good it is to read the Bible and pray daily so that we can be unmovable in the storms of life!

1. What did David and his men eat when they were hungry? __________ Luke 6:___

2. The Lord Jesus spent all night on a mountain doing what? __________ Luke 6:___

3. Everyone who was sick sought to touch the Lord. What happened when they did? __________ Luke 6:___

4. If we love our enemies and do good, our reward shall be great, and we will be children of __________. Luke 6:___

5. When the storm beat fiercely on the house that had its foundation on a rock, it could not __________. Luke 6:___

Luke 7

Isn’t it remarkable that the Lord Jesus found greater faith in a Gentile centurion than in any of the nation of Israel? Although the elders of the Jews said that this centurion was worthy to have his servant healed, the centurion did not consider himself worthy to go to the Lord or that He should enter his house. He knew that the Lord had more authority than he and only needed to speak the word and his servant would be healed. Did the Lord Jesus disappoint his great faith? No, He may test our faith, but He will never disappoint it!

Sin has brought so much sorrow into the world. Everywhere we go there are cemeteries. As the Lord drew near to the city of Nain, there was a funeral coming out and a poor widow was weeping because her only son had died. Why was he dead? Because “sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).

John the Baptist was in prison and was getting a little discouraged. Did the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, have the power to get John out of that awful place? Sometimes we fail in faith as John, for he thought that the Lord had forgotten about him. The same hour that his disciples were with the Lord, many were cured of infirmities, plagues and evil spirits, and the blind were made to see. The Lord certainly has the power to deliver us in any circumstance, but we should be submissive to His will.

Simon the Pharisee didn’t consider himself to be as great a sinner as the woman who was washing the Lord’s feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. It was the custom to provide guests with water for their feet and greet them with a kiss. Simon did neither of these things. He showed little love for the Lord, while she showed by her faith and works how much she loved Him.

1. What did a certain centurion do that showed he loved the nation of Israel? __________ Luke 7:___

2. When the Lord Jesus said to a young man who was dead, “Arise,” what did he do? __________ Luke 7:___

3. When the disciples of John asked, “Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another?” what did Jesus do that same hour? __________ Luke 7:___

4. A woman anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Simon knew that she was __________, and he thought Jesus should have known too. Luke 7:___

5. The woman loved the Lord very much, as shown by all that she did for Him, but it was her __________ that saved her. Luke 7:___

Luke 8

Evil spirits had complete control of a woman named Mary Magdalene until Jesus healed her. Now she wanted to serve Him in any way she could.

The devil does not like people who hear and believe the Word of God because they will be saved. He will try to occupy them with cares, with riches, and with pleasures of this life so that they will forget about what they have heard.

Many people were now following the Lord. His own family couldn’t get near Him because of the crowd. Then He told them, “My mother and My brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” Are you in His family?

Have you ever been in jeopardy? When the disciples were crossing the lake, they thought they were about to perish in a storm. However, they went to the right person for help and all was made calm.

Rendered safe by His protection,

We shall pass the watery waste,

Trusting to His wise direction,

We shall gain the port at last;

And with wonder,

Think on toils and dangers past.

Having crossed safely to the other side of the lake, they met a demon-possessed man named Legion. When he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet because he knew He was the Son of God who would one day punish demons. The Lord gave this poor man his right mind. He then wanted to follow Jesus but was told to return to his house and tell “how great things God hath done unto thee.” Instead, the whole city was told what “great things Jesus had done unto him.” He knew that Jesus is God.

When the Lord finally arrived at the ruler of the synagogue’s house, his daughter was dead. Because death is such a sorrowful thing, all the people were weeping and wailing. However, the Lord Jesus is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25) and has the power to raise whom He will. When He said, “Maid, arise,” she arose right away.

What a wonderful day is coming for all those who have received the Lord Jesus as their own Savior. He will say to them, “Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away” (Song of Solomon 2:10).

1. What was the name of the woman out of whom the Lord cast seven devils? __________ Luke 8:___

2. The devil takes away the word out of hearts because he does not want them to __________. Luke 8:___

3. The Lord says that His mother and His brethren are those who __________. Luke 8:___

4. How did the people feel when they saw Legion (who had been possessed by demons) sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind? __________ Luke 8:___

5. How did the people react when the Lord said that the ruler of the synagogue’s daughter was not dead but sleeping? __________ Luke 8:___

Luke 9

In this chapter the Lord shares with the 12 disciples the privilege of preaching and healing. What a time of great blessing it was for Israel! However, there was a man named Herod who had a bad conscience because he had beheaded John the Baptist. Some people thought that John was risen again and was doing all these miracles.

As the evening drew on, large crowds followed the Lord into a desert place and it was time for supper. What were they going to eat? They only had five loaves and two fishes, but that was enough for the Lord Jesus. He gave thanks and had the disciples set this before the multitude. They ate, were all filled, and 12 baskets of fragments remained!

After eight days the Lord took Peter, John and James up into a mountain to pray. Moses and Elias (Elijah) appeared and talked with Jesus about what was going to happen in Jerusalem. Peter was so afraid that he didn’t know what to say. Then a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son: hear Him.” God does not want His Son put on the same level with sinful man.

When they came down from the mountain, He told them that He would be delivered into the hands of men. Instead of feeling badly about this, they were arguing about who would be the greatest. Are we looking for a great place in a world that crucified the Lord Jesus?

Although He is the Lord of glory, yet He was in the world as a stranger. Even the foxes had holes and the birds of the air had nests, but He didn’t have anywhere to lay His head. What a blessed Lord we have! He emptied Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).

1. Who beheaded John the Baptist? __________ Luke 9:___

2. Besides feeding a multitude of over 5000, how many baskets of fragments remained? __________ Luke 9:___

3. What did the voice that came out of the cloud say concerning God’s Son? __________ Luke 9:___

4. The Lord Jesus said that to receive a __________ in His name was to receive Him. Luke 9:___

5. Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but who had nowhere to lay His head? __________ Luke 9:___

Luke 10

This is the only Gospel where we read that the Lord sent out 70 other disciples in addition to the 12 apostles. The work was great and the laborers were few. This is just as true today as it was then. To confirm their message, the Lord enabled them to perform miracles. Having completed their mission, they returned with joy but were told that they should rather rejoice because their names were written in heaven. Do you know if your name is written in heaven? Receive the Lord Jesus as Savior and it will be!

Next, we read that the Lord rejoiced because the message was simple enough for babies to understand, but it was hidden from the wise and prudent because they didn’t want to believe God’s message. The lawyer who stood up was in this category. In answering his question, the Lord told the wonderful story of the good Samaritan. The Samaritan carried with him just what the half-dead man needed — oil, wine, transportation and money to pay for his recovery. Today, the gospel message brings with it just what sinful men need — salvation!

The Lord Jesus valued the hospitality that Martha and Mary displayed and He values anything you may do for Him. But do you know what one thing is most important? It is to pay attention to His Word and believe it.

1. Who should we pray to and ask for laborers to be sent into the harvest? __________ Luke 10:___

2. When the 70 disciples returned from their work, why were they joyful? __________ Luke 10:___

3. The Lord then revealed to them that it was far more important for their names to be __________. Luke 10:___

4. Before binding up the man’s wounds and pouring in oil and wine, what did the Samaritan have in his heart for the wounded man? __________ Luke 10:___

5. Which sister chose the one thing that is needful? __________ Luke 10:___

Luke 11

Prayer is the expression of dependence. Under the law the disciples were not taught to pray. In the New Testament we are often exhorted to pray to the Lord, not only for ourselves, but for others as well. We can rest assured that our prayers will be heard at any time of the day or night. We often forget the needs of others, but God never does. We are told, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

If Satan were to fight against his own wicked kingdom, would he not be brought to desolation? Surely so! And yet some were saying that the Lord cast out wicked spirits through the power of Beelzebub, their chief. Unbelief is contrary to sound reason and is the opposite of faith. Why did the queen of the south come to Jerusalem to hear the wisdom of Solomon? Because she had faith in what she heard about Solomon. But the Lord Jesus, who is greater than Solomon, was rejected by this evil generation.

Much of the world’s religion is for the outside and looks good to man. However, the Lord also looks on the inside and can see when the inward part is full of wickedness. Only the blood of the Lord Jesus can cleanse the inside from every sin.

Many times God sent prophets and apostles to warn men. Instead of listening to their message, they were despised and put to death. May we learn from their bad example to fear God and trust in His great salvation today!

1. What answer did a man give his friend from within his house when the friend came at midnight with an urgent request? __________ Luke 11:___

2. A kingdom divided against itself is brought to __________. Luke 11:___

3. Why did the queen of the south come from the utmost parts of the earth? __________ Luke 11:___

4. Although the Pharisees were cleaning the outside, what does the Lord say about their inward part? __________ Luke 11:___

5. The __________ of God in the Old Testament predicted that the prophets and apostles that He would send would be killed and persecuted. Luke 11:___

Luke 12

Covetousness is the desire to have something that belongs to another person. God tells us to beware of covetousness. Because of this sin, many people have been kept from coming to Christ for salvation. The rich man desired to have so much that he left God out of his life completely. God called him “fool,” because he provided only for this life and forgot about eternity.

Did you know that God cares for the birds of the air, the beasts of the earth and the flowers of the field? If you were to examine the glory of the lily under a microscope, you would find God’s intricate handiwork. If He has such care for beautiful flowers, will He not rather take care of men, women, boys and girls who are much more precious in His eyes?

The Lord Jesus wants us to be ready and watching for His return. Those who are not ready will be left behind for judgment. They should have known that God wanted to be their Savior, not their Judge.

By looking in the sky and studying clouds and wind patterns, men can predict the weather. Can we tell by conditions in the world that things are getting worse and worse? (See 2 Timothy 3:13.)

1. We are to beware of __________ because our life does not really consist of the abundance of things that we possess. Luke 12:___

2. What did God call a rich man who boasted of the many things he had accumulated? __________ Luke 12:___

3. What flower has God arrayed better than Solomon in all his glory? __________ Luke 12:___

4. If the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief was coming, what would he have done? __________ Luke 12:___

5. Although hypocrites could discern the face of the sky and of the earth, what were they not able to discern? __________ Luke 12:___

Luke 13

Pilate had killed some Galileans, and a tower in Siloam fell and killed 18 others. People probably thought they must have been great sinners to die such terrible deaths. But the Lord told those around Him that they would likewise perish, except they repented of their sins.

If you had carefully planted a garden or a fruit tree and all that grew were weeds, never fruit, what would you do? The parable the Lord told was of a man who came seeking fruit for three years. How patient he was! Yet God had been faithfully laboring with His vineyard (Israel) for many years and they yielded only wild grapes. See Isaiah 5:2. If Israel as a nation did not bear fruit, they would be cut down.

The poor woman, who was bowed together, could only look down. When the Lord healed her, she could look straight into His face and glorify God! How angry this made those who thought more of their animals than of this poor woman.

A grain of mustard seed is very small. The number of those who followed the Lord at first was small, but over the years, a great number of people said they were Christians. Many were not real believers and are compared to the fowls of the air that lodged in the branches of the great tree of profession. God knows those who are false and those who are real. Be sure that you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior.

The Lord wanted to bless Israel and Jerusalem, the capital, but they refused to walk in His ways or listen to His prophets. What could He do? He will send an enemy with armies that would desolate them. Then they will repent and say in truth, “Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

1. How many years did the owner come looking for fruit on his fig tree? __________ Luke 13:___

2. For how many years was a woman bowed together with a spirit of infirmity and could not lift herself up? __________ Luke 13:___

3. When the Lord laid His hands on her and healed her, she was made straight. Then what did she do? __________ Luke 13:___

4. What kind of seed became a great tree after a man cast it into his garden? __________ Luke 13:___

5. The house of Israel will be left desolate and will not see Jesus until they are able to say, “__________ is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Luke 13:___

Luke 14

One of the chief Pharisees kindly invited the Lord Jesus to his house for a meal, but a number of his friends had bad motives. They wanted to see if the Lord would heal a man from his sickness on the Sabbath day. The law was given by Moses, but grace was shown by the Lord every day of the week.

Do you know who is the most honorable person who took the lowest room? The Lord Jesus left heaven, came into the world and went down to the death of the cross. Man naturally likes to make himself look good. When they were told to seek out the lowest room, it was contrary to their natural desires. The Lord set an example for those who would desire to follow Him.

The gospel of God’s grace goes out to “whosoever will”; He does not exclude anyone. Those who preach the good news of salvation to the poor, maimed, lame or blind will surely be rewarded at the resurrection of the just.

When someone invites us to a supper, we usually try our best to accept the invitation. The excuses we read in this chapter were not good ones. They really did not want to go. How would you feel if none of the people you invited to your house wanted to come? Yet there are thousands who refuse God’s invitation to partake of the gospel supper. Their reasons are only excuses in God’s sight.

Many today would like to be disciples (followers) of the Lord, but there is a price to pay. Great multitudes followed the Lord because of the benefit they were able to get. When it came to leaving family, friends or the synagogue, it was a difficult decision. Were they willing to leave all and follow the Lord Jesus? Whoever was not going to bear his cross and come after Him could not be His disciple.

1. What hard work would a Pharisee do on the Sabbath day if his ox fell into a pit? __________ Luke 14:___

2. What was said to the man who sat down in the lowest room? __________ Luke 14:___

3. If a person were to invite the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind to a feast, when would he be recompensed? __________ Luke 14:___

4. When the master of the house heard the excuses of the bidden guests, he became __________. Luke 14:___

5. The Lord Jesus said a person cannot be His disciple unless he is willing to __________ and follow Him. Luke 14:___

Luke 15

In the chapter before, the Pharisees were happy to have the Lord Jesus eat with them, but they didn’t want Him to eat with publicans and sinners. They thought they were better than other people. The Lord knew their thoughts and told the parable about the 100 sheep. What a wonderful picture of His love in seeking those who were lost in their sins, dying for them and then bringing them home again!

Silver may be valuable, but it is lifeless. The lost piece of silver had to be found by the woman using a candle and a broom. Great was her joy in finding it, and so great is the joy in the presence of God over one sinner that repents.

The story of the prodigal (wasteful) son is well-known. Neither boy loved his father, and the youngest took his belongings and left home for a far country. When he came to poverty, he started to think about “home,” but would he be received back? He was even willing to be a servant. When his father saw him, he covered his son with kisses and ordered his servants to clothe his son and bring him into the house. As the elder son neared the house, he heard the music and dancing and asked what it all meant.

Do you not think that he would have been happy that his brother returned? No, the elder son was angry with his father and would not go in. Only those who confess that they have sinned will enter into heaven and share the Father’s joy.

1. If any of the Pharisees or scribes had 100 sheep and lost one of them, what would he do? __________ Luke 15:___

2. When the woman found her lost piece of silver, what did she want her neighbors to do? __________ Luke 15:___

3. What did the younger son do with his inheritance in that far country? __________ Luke 15:___

4. Name the three things that the father wanted to have put on his younger son when he returned. __________ Luke 15:___

5. The older brother was angry. With whom did he want to make merry? __________ Luke 15:___

Luke 16

A steward has the responsibility of caring for his master’s goods. The steward in our chapter was not only a waster, but he was lazy. When told that he would lose his job, he said within himself, “I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.” We should be willing to dig in the Word of God for ourselves and beg from others that which they enjoy of the Lord Jesus Christ. But this man was thinking of the future in making friends who would receive him afterwards. The Lord wants us to use the things of this world for future blessing. Soon, the things of this world, called the mammon (riches) of unrighteousness, will pass away, but the children of light are going to enjoy everlasting habitations.

The Pharisees were trying to serve God and riches because they were covetous. This is not possible. A servant can only serve one master faithfully. They thought that if a man was rich, it was a sign of God’s favor. The following account is of a rich person who was covetous, for he didn’t help Lazarus. His riches didn’t help him, for when he died, he lifted up his eyes in hell. He certainly did not have God’s favor. Lazarus did, for he was found in a place of comfort and rest.

Do you think the rich man wanted company where he was? No, he asked that Lazarus be sent to his five brothers and tell them what an awful place hell is. Today we tell people about the judgment of God for sin and they reply, “No one ever came back to tell us.” But do you think they would believe if someone rose from the dead? Remember, the Lord Jesus raised another man named Lazarus from the dead in John 11, but the chief priests tried to put him to death again!

1. There were two things the steward said to himself that he would not do. What were they? __________ Luke 16:___

2. If we have not been faithful with the unrighteous mammon, we should not expect to be entrusted with __________ riches. Luke 16:___

3. Is it possible to serve two masters? __________ Luke 16:___

4. When the rich man died and was buried, where was he when he opened his eyes? __________ Luke 16:___

5. The rich man’s five brothers would not be persuaded even if someone __________ from the dead. Luke 16:___

Luke 17

In the Lord’s ministry to the people there was both teaching and healing. This chapter gives us both. In the matter of a trespass (sin) by a brother, we are to have a forgiving spirit. The apostles thought this was a hard teaching to follow, but we should remember that when we confess our sins to Him, all is forgiven us. Keeping the example of the Lord Jesus before us, we realize how far short we come. Do you think we can do as much for Him as He has done for us? At best, we would say, “We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

After this teaching, we have a miracle of healing. There were ten lepers who were healed, but only one whose heart was touched enough to cause him to turn back and give glory to God. Should not the other nine have returned to say “Thank You”?

The Pharisees felt that they were ready for the kingdom of God and only wanted to know when the kingdom of God would be ready for them. That blessed time will come, but first the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected. The question of our sins had to be settled before the kingdom could be established.

Judgment was about to fall on that unbelieving generation. What happened in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot are given as an example. People forget that God judged wickedness in the past and that He will do it again in the future. That is why we are told to “flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7).

1. If someone trespasses (sins) against you seven times in one day and each time says, “I repent,” what should you do? __________ Luke 17:___

2. Even when we have done what is our duty to do, we are still __________ servants. Luke 17:___

3. Of the ten lepers who were cleansed, how many of them turned back to glorify God? __________ Luke 17:___

4. The Son of Man (the Lord Jesus) will come as the shining lightning, but first what must He do? __________ Luke 17:___

5. When Lot went out of Sodom, what rained down from heaven on that city? __________ Luke 17:___

Luke 18

God always encourages us to come before Him in prayer. Sometimes He does not answer our prayers as quickly as we would like. Sometimes the answer is “No” or “Wait,” but be certain, He knows what is best for us. If we are treated badly because we are His children, there is coming a day when He will avenge His people, perhaps not here, but hereafter.

Next, the Lord shows us how we are to come before Him in prayer. The Pharisee had a longer prayer than the publican, but he was self-righteous and exalted himself. The publican smote upon his breast, the heart being the source of all his sin, and called on God for mercy. We read that through the Lord Jesus “all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39).

How sad it is to see that the disciples didn’t want the little children brought to Jesus. Do you know that unless you receive the kingdom of God as a little child, you cannot enter in?

The ruler who wanted eternal life was rich but he lacked one thing. It was faith in Jesus, for he would not follow Him. Are you willing to follow the Lord Jesus even though it will cost you something — perhaps everything?

The Lord was gradually making His way to Jerusalem. It was there that the Jews would deliver Him to the Gentiles. He would be mocked, spitefully treated, spit on, scourged and then put to death. How wicked the heart of man is! We can understand such treatment for a bad man, but the Lord Jesus only “went about doing good, and healing all” (Acts 10:38).

The blind beggar had better spiritual sight than the multitude. They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. He cried out, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” Who told the blind man that Jesus is the Son of David? Surely he had faith, and so the Lord said, “Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”

1. When the Son of Man comes, what will He be looking for on the earth? __________ Luke 18:___

2. The publican stood afar off and would not lift up his eyes to heaven. After he smote upon his breast, what did he say? __________ Luke 18:___

3. A certain ruler was very rich, but he still lacked one thing. What did Jesus tell him to do with his possessions? __________ Luke 18:___

4. The Lord Jesus told the 12 disciples that the Gentiles would mock Him, scourge Him, and put Him to death. Then what would He do after three days? __________ Luke 18:___

5. The multitude told the blind man that Jesus of Nazareth passed by. How did the blind man cry out? __________ Luke 18:___

Luke 19

We come now to the closing days of the Lord’s ministry on earth. He passed through Jericho for the last time, on His way to Jerusalem. Zaccheus was not going to miss this opportunity to see Jesus. But there were difficulties. He was a little man and couldn’t see above the crowd. What could he do? He saw a tree ahead and ran to climb up above all those people. Do you think the Lord Jesus knew who was in that tree? He not only knew his name, but He knew all about him. The Lord wanted to go to his house, but the people murmured because they knew that Zaccheus was a sinner. Were they not sinners also? When the Lord left that house, the lost sinner Zaccheus had been found and saved, “for the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

In the parable of the nobleman, we see how he rewards faithfulness. The good servant gained ten pounds and was rewarded by ruling over ten cities. The wicked servant did nothing with the pound that was given to him. He really had no love for his master and so did nothing for him.

As the Lord approached Jerusalem, two of His disciples were told to bring a colt for Him to sit on. The whole multitude of the disciples said, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” Their religious leaders objected to such rejoicing, but the Lord said that if the people were silent, the stones would cry out! Today, the Lord has living stones giving Him praise (1 Peter 2:5).

Was not the Lord saddened to see that religious center so hardened against Him? He foretold of a time that was soon coming when their enemies would level Jerusalem to the ground. All this would happen because they didn’t realize that their Lord and Savior was visiting them.

1. Zaccheus ran and climbed up a tree. What kind of a tree was it? __________ Luke 19:___

2. When Zaccheus received the Lord into his house, all the people __________ because Jesus was a guest with a man that was a sinner. Luke 19:___

3. The nobleman commended the first servant who gained ten pounds because he had been __________ in a very little. Luke 19:___

4. As the Lord descended the Mount of Olives, what did the whole multitude of the disciples begin to do? __________ Luke 19:___

5. The Lord Jesus spoke about an enemy who would cast a trench around Jerusalem and lay it even with the ground, not leaving one stone upon another, because they didn’t know the time of their __________. Luke 19:___

Luke 20

The word “gospel” means “good news” or “glad tidings.” This is what the Lord Jesus was preaching in the temple. The people wanted to listen, but their religious leaders were envious. They demanded to know who gave the Lord His authority to teach and preach. Jesus said that if they could tell Him who gave John the Baptist authority, He would answer them. But they were afraid to say that John’s authority came from men because they feared the people would stone them. They really did not have the fear of God at all!

Now the Lord put forth a parable that they were able to understand. The owner of the vineyard sent servants and they were beaten or wounded. Would you have then sent your son to those wicked servants? What a picture this parable is of God’s love to lost sinners. He sent many prophets, but they were all rejected. Lastly, God sent His only begotten and beloved Son into this world to die for lost sinners. Love like this cannot be measured.

The Lord’s parable only angered these leaders, so they sent spies to lay a trap for Him. The Lord knew their craftiness, for He knows the heart of all men. The reply given to their question shows His infinite wisdom, for it was He who gave Solomon his wisdom.

Next came the Sadducees who denied any resurrection. They certainly would not be worthy of the resurrection of the dead because they didn’t believe the Scriptures or have faith in God’s power to raise the dead.

Now it was the Lord’s turn to expose these leaders before all the people. He told them to beware of their love for show in long prayers and long robes. They would receive the greater judgment.

1. The chief priests, the scribes and the elders would not say that the baptism of John was of men, because the people were persuaded that John was a __________. Luke 20:___

2. After the third servant was wounded and cast out, the lord of the vineyard decided to send his __________. Luke 20:___

3. When the Lord Jesus perceived the craftiness of the spies, what did He say to them? __________ Luke 20:___

4. Those who are accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead neither __________ nor are given in __________. Luke 20:___

5. What will happen to the scribes who devoured widow’s houses and made long prayers for show? __________ Luke 20:___

Luke 21

While in Jerusalem, Jesus noticed how people made donations to the treasury of God. Some cast in a lot and some a little. A poor widow cast in only two mites. Why did the Lord say that she cast more into the offerings of God than all the others? She gave 100 percent; the others didn’t.

Herod built the temple with magnificent stones. When the people called this to the Lord’s attention, He said that not one stone would be left standing. Not only did He predict the future of that temple, but He spoke of persecution of those who followed Him. They were to look to Him, and such wisdom would be given that their adversaries would not be able to gainsay or resist their words. (You will see an illustration of this in Acts 6:10.) Even so, some of them would be put to death, but not a hair of their head would perish. They may die, but they would never perish!

Much of what is related in this chapter is yet to be fulfilled or is even taking place today. Do we not see men’s hearts failing them today because of fear, both of natural calamities and of God’s judgment? God is very gracious and patient, not willing that any should perish, but eventually His judgment will fall on evildoers. The words of the Lord Jesus will come to pass, even though heaven and earth pass away.

What a favored city Jerusalem was! But Jesus did not spend the night there. He went out to the Mount of Olives, there to rest and pray. Although maker of heaven and earth, He was here as a homeless stranger.

1. What did the Lord say about the poor widow who cast more into the offerings of God than the rich? Out of her penury (severe poverty) she cast in __________. Luke 21:___

2. What two things would the Lord give His disciples that their adversaries would not be able to gainsay (contradict) or resist? __________ Luke 21:___

3. Although they would be hated and some of the disciples would be put to death, what were they to possess their souls with? __________ Luke 21:___

4. Men’s hearts will be failing them for fear and for looking at the things which are __________. Luke 21:___

5. In the daytime the Lord taught in the temple. When He left there, where did He spend the night? __________ Luke 21:___

Luke 22

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Because the chief priests and scribes feared the people, they sought to kill the Lord Jesus in the absence of the multitude. They were very happy when Judas offered to betray Jesus to them.

The Passover was to be eaten in the place of the Lord’s appointment. How exact were the directions given to His disciples! After they ate the Passover, He gave them the cup and the bread, which were to remind them of His blood and His body. He has not asked us to do anything difficult, but simply to remember what He has done for us.

It is sad to see the disciples arguing as to who would be the greatest at such a time as this. Simon Peter was a leader and Satan knew it. Although he would fail, he had faith, and the Lord always intercedes for His own, even when we don’t pray for ourselves.

Next, He went out with His disciples to the Mount of Olives to pray. What a sorrowful time it was for them. The Lord earnestly prayed, but they fell asleep. If we were more in prayer, we would not yield to temptation so easily.

Then the multitudes came and took the Lord to the high priest’s house. Poor Peter followed afar off and then denied his Master three times. When the Lord turned and looked upon Peter, it must have melted his heart, for he went out and wept bitterly. Are we not often moved to tears when we dishonor our Lord?

1. Because the chief priests and scribes feared the people, Judas promised them that he would __________ the Lord away from the multitude. Luke 22:___

2. The broken bread is a picture of the Lord’s body which was given for us. What did He ask His disciples to do? __________ Luke 22:___

3. Although Satan would sift Simon as wheat, the Lord said He prayed for Peter that his __________ would not fail. Luke 22:___

4. The Lord found His disciples sleeping. Why did He tell them to rise and pray? __________ Luke 22:___

5. When the Lord turned and looked on Peter, what did he remember? __________ Luke 22:___

Luke 23

The whole multitude began to falsely accuse the Lord. Pilate then sent Him to Herod and neither of them could find anything worthy of death in Him. However, Pilate and Herod became friends in rejecting Jesus.

Finally the multitude got their way. Barabbas was released and Jesus was crucified in a place called Calvary. Even on the cross, they mocked Him, but there was one man who repented. He read the superscription, written in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, and believed it. Because he had faith in Jesus as Lord, he went to paradise that same day. For others there, it was a dark day. The earth shook and the veil of the temple was torn. When Jesus cried out with a loud voice and gave up His life, the centurion glorified God and said, “Certainly this was a righteous man.” Dear friends, all this the Lord suffered so that, believing, we might be set free.

1. The Lord said, “Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar’s.” What did the multitude accuse Him of teaching? __________ Luke 23:___

2. What happened on the same day that Herod returned Jesus to Pilate? __________ Luke 23:___

3. When they came to the place called Calvary, what did they do to the Lord Jesus? __________ Luke 23:___

4. A superscription was written in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. What did it say? __________ Luke 23:___

5. When the centurion saw what was done, what did he say that glorified God? __________ Luke 23:___

Luke 24

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus shows us the power of God over death. When the women came to the sepulcher, it was empty! The Lord had told the disciples that He would be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and then rise the third day.

Because they had forgotten these things, they were sad. Two of them left Jerusalem, but Jesus went with them. They trusted that it had been He that should have redeemed Israel — that is, deliverance from Roman bondage. The Lord will yet do this, but His death provides spiritual redemption for Israel and for us. As he walked with them, He began at Moses and all the prophets and expounded in all the Scriptures about things concerning Himself.

Well, it wasn’t long before those who were sad were glad. They returned to Jerusalem that same night and told the others what had happened. Then Jesus Himself appeared in their midst. He told them that beginning at Jerusalem, they were to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name to all nations.

After the Lord was carried up into heaven, they worshipped Him, being filled with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. What a happy note on which to end the Gospel by Luke. If you know the Lord Jesus as your Savior, you too will be happy!

1. When the Lord Jesus was in Galilee, He told His disciples that He would be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified. Then what would happen? __________ Luke 24:___

2. Cleopas (and others with him) trusted that Jesus of Nazareth would have __________ Israel. Luke 24:___

3. Starting with Moses and the prophets, the Lord Jesus used all the Scriptures to expound the things concerning __________. Luke 24:___

4. The disciples were told to preach repentance and remission of sins, starting at what city? __________ Luke 24:___

5. After they returned to Jerusalem, what were they continually doing in the temple? __________ Luke 24:___

John 1

Have you ever noticed that the first three words of John’s Gospel are the same as the first three words in the Bible (Genesis 1:1)? But the beginning mentioned here goes back farther than the creation of the heavens and the earth, because the Word always existed. The Lord Jesus is here called the Word because He told out what God was and is. He made the world and then came into it as a man, but they did not know Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the sons of God. What a blessed position is given to those who believe on His name!

One day, while John was baptizing, he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John knew this because the Spirit of God descended from heaven and abode upon Him.

The Lord invited two of John’s disciples to His house. One of them, Andrew, was persuaded that Jesus was the Messiah. The first thing he did was to go and find his brother Simon. We too should present our brothers and sisters to the Lord.

Shortly after, the Lord also called Philip to follow Him. Philip realized that Jesus of Nazareth was the one whom Moses wrote about. He quickly searched for his friend Nathaniel and found him under a fig tree. Do you know that even before Philip called Nathaniel, the Lord saw him? No matter where we are, the eye of the Lord is upon us!

1. Although the Lord Jesus was in the world and the world was made by Him, what does it say about the world? __________ John 1:___

2. What does He give to those who receive Him and believe on His name? __________ John 1:___

3. When John saw Jesus coming to him, what did he say? __________ John 1:___

4. What did Andrew say when he found his own brother Simon? __________ John 1:___

5. Before Jesus called Nathaniel, where did the Lord see him? __________ John 1:___

John 2

Don’t you like going to weddings? They are so much fun! The bride and bridegroom are there and, often, plenty of food. The Lord Jesus was invited to a marriage and He went, along with His disciples. There must have been many people there because, before long, they were all out of wine. What could they do? The mother of Jesus told the servants to do whatever He said. They were told to fill six waterpots with water, and then they served it to the ruler of the feast. What he tasted was not water, but good wine! It was the first miracle the Lord performed.

Sometime afterwards, Jesus went into the temple at Jerusalem and noticed people were buying and selling. From small cords He made a whip and drove them all out. His Father’s house was not to be used for business.

When the Jews asked for a sign, Jesus said what He would do. He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” He was talking about His resurrection!

Although people saw the miracles that Jesus did, they did not believe in Him in their hearts. He looks right into our hearts and knows if we have received Him as our Savior.

1. The mother of Jesus said something to the servants, which is also true today. What was it? __________ John 2:___

2. The ruler of the feast tasted the water that was made into wine and said it was the __________ wine compared to what had been served first. John 2:___

3. When Jesus made a scourge of small cords, what did He do with it? __________ John 2:___

4. Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” What temple was He talking about? __________ John 2:___

5. Although many believed when they saw the miracles, why did Jesus not commit Himself to them? __________ John 2:___

John 3

Nicodemus was a religious man who saw the miracles that Jesus did. He knew that God must have sent Jesus, but he didn’t know that he himself was a lost sinner. When he was told that he had to be born again before he could see the kingdom of God, Nicodemus did not understand. The Lord had to explain that God works in an unseen way in a person’s heart, just like the wind is sent. We don’t know where it comes from or where it is going, but we can feel it, hear its sound, and see its effect.

Then the Lord told Nicodemus some of the most wonderful words in the Bible — how he could have everlasting life! People around the world have memorized John 3:16. Have you?

God is love, and God is also light. People like to do their evil deeds when it is dark so others will not see them. But God can see as well in the dark as in the light. The Lord Jesus is the light of the world, and He reveals the sin that is in man’s dark heart. If we come to Him and confess our sins, He will forgive us. But if we do not believe on Him, the wrath of God abides on us. While there is yet time, “flee from the wrath to come.”

1. Nicodemus was a religious Pharisee. What did he have to do before he could see the kingdom of God? __________ John 3:___

2. We can feel the wind when it blows and we can hear the sound of it. What does Jesus compare this to? __________ John 3:___

3. Because God so loved the world, what did He give so that we could have everlasting life? __________ John 3:___

4. Why would a person who does evil hate the light? __________ John 3:___

5. Those that believe on the Son have everlasting life. What about those who do not believe on the Son? __________ John 3:___

John 4

The Lord Jesus is God, and He became a real man. He felt thirst, sadness, weariness, joy, anger, compassion and other things that people feel — but He was sinless, and not only that, He was holy; He could not sin.

In this chapter we find Him weary with His journey. When He came to Samaria, He sat on a well and rested. A woman came to that well to get water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. She never thought that a man who was a Jew would ask a woman of Samaria for a drink. He did this because He wanted to bring her blessing. Her life had been filled with sorrow. Now she met someone who could bring her happiness and salvation. She started to speak about religion, so Jesus told her that the time had come for true worship of the Father; it had to be in spirit and in truth. How strange this all sounded to her! He told her that He was Messias the Christ, and she believed Him.

About this time, Jesus’ disciples arrived and marveled that He talked with a woman of Samaria. It brought such joy to His heart in leading one sinner to God that food had no interest to Him at that moment. He told the disciples that the multitudes are just like fields ready to harvest. The Lord was sowing the good seed and soon the disciples could reap many men and women by bringing them to salvation.

At the end of this chapter, a nobleman wanted Jesus to come quickly and heal his son. The Lord didn’t go, but He just spoke the word and the child was healed. What power there is in His words! This wonderful miracle caused the nobleman’s whole house to believe in Jesus. Do you believe in Jesus too?

1. What did Jesus first ask the woman of Samaria to do? __________ John 4:___

2. If the woman had known who it was that spoke to her, what would she have asked Him to give her? __________ John 4:___

3. When is the hour when the true worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth? __________ John 4:___

4. Although there were yet four months before harvest, what did Jesus say about the fields? __________ John 4:___

5. After the father knew that his son was living, what did he do with his whole house? __________ John 4:___

John 5

God sent an angel to the Bethesda pool because He loved His people and the city of Jerusalem. It was a testimony to His kindness and care for the Jewish people. Their sin had brought much sorrow and sickness among them. We read about a great multitude of these sick folk waiting for an angel to stir up the water. The first one in the water was healed. How could a man who couldn’t walk get there before others? One day, the Lord Jesus met one and healed that poor man. Do you know why the Jews got angry? They were angry because Jesus did this miracle on the Sabbath day. They would rather that this man remain lame than that the Sabbath be broken.

As a child, many of us have memorized this verse: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” What a good gospel verse this is! Notice that we don’t have to do any work (it was all done for us) to have everlasting life. We need only to believe, that is, to receive the Lord Jesus into our hearts by faith.

John the Baptist bore witness to the Lord Jesus, but what greater witness could He have than the many miracles He did? The Father also bore witness to His Son (Matthew 3:17), as did so many scriptures, from Moses and all the prophets.

1. There was a pool of water called Bethesda. What kind of people lay around the pool? __________ John 5:___

2. What day of the week was it when the impotent man was made whole? __________ John 5:___

3. The Jews sought to kill Jesus for two reasons. One was that they said that He had broken the Sabbath; the other was that He said that __________. John 5:___

4. What does one have who hears Jesus’ word and believes on Him who sent Him? __________ John 5:___

5. Besides the witness of John the Baptist and besides the works which Jesus did, there is Someone else who has borne witness to the Lord Jesus. Who is it? __________ John 5:___

John 6

This chapter shows us that most of the people were following Jesus because of the miracles performed on the sick and because He fed them. How few there were who realized that He was God manifest in flesh! In Leviticus 23, the Passover was called one of the feasts of the Lord, but now it is called a feast of the Jews, because the Lord was left out of their thoughts.

When they came to the area where Philip lived, the Lord asked him where would be a good place to buy bread to feed the multitude. Andrew said there was a lad in the crowd who had five loaves of bread and two small fishes. Do you think this would have been enough for 5000 men? In the hands of Jesus it was! If we devote what little we have to Him, He will multiply it and use it for blessing.

What a great miracle this was! If He would be their king, all their food would be supplied. The Lord knew their thoughts. To have Him as king with their wicked hearts unchanged would never do. He must first die for sinners and then they can receive Jesus as Lord and king. Repentant sinners are those that the Father will give to the Lord Jesus as a love gift.

Jesus came down from heaven as a man so that He could die and give His flesh for the life of the world. When He told them this, they said, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” As a result, many left and walked no more with Him. Then Jesus asked the 12 disciples, “Will ye also go away?” What a wonderful answer Simon Peter gave: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” Do you believe this about the Lord Jesus?

1. Who had five barley loaves and two small fish with him? __________ John 6:___

2. When Jesus perceived that they would take Him by force to make Him a king, what did He do? __________ John 6:___

3. All that the Father gives to the Lord Jesus will come to Him, and He will never __________ a single person who comes to Him. John 6:___

4. What would the Lord Jesus give His flesh (His body) for? __________ John 6:___

5. What did Peter say about the Lord Jesus that he completely believed and was absolutely sure about? __________ John 6:___

John 7

In the previous chapter, the Passover feast was near. In this chapter, the feast of tabernacles was at hand. At this time, the Lord’s brothers and sisters did not yet believe in Him. They suggested that He go to the feast and display His mighty works to the world. But He testified to the world that their works were evil and so they hated Him.

When the Lord received direction from His Father, He did go up to the feast and taught in the temple. He always did the Father’s will and said that if any man would do His will, he would know of the doctrine. God would reveal the truth to those who desired to walk in it. When Jesus told them that they did not know His Father, they sought to take Him, but no man laid hands on Him, because His hour was not yet come.

Jesus said that those that believe on Him would receive the Spirit. But the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The Pharisees and the chief priests didn’t like what the people were saying about Jesus’ mighty works, so they sent officers to take Him. When the officers returned, they were asked why they had not brought Jesus. The answer they gave was: “Never man spake like this man.” Who else could have spoken such words of grace, love, power, comfort and wisdom as this Man?

1. Why did Jesus say the world hates Him? __________ John 7:___

2. If any man will do His __________, he will know His doctrine (the truth). John 7:___

3. When they sought to take Him, why were they powerless to lay hands on Him? __________ John 7:___

4. While Jesus was on earth, why was the Holy Spirit not yet given? __________ John 7:___

5. When the chief priests and Pharisees asked why Jesus was not brought to them, what did the officers answer? __________ John 7:___

John 8

In this chapter, the scribes and Pharisees join together to tempt Jesus. “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). They knew what the law said to do about this woman, but they didn’t know the grace that was in Jesus Christ. After writing on the ground, He lifted up Himself and said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Don’t you marvel at such an answer? Do you really think they could have tempted Him?

Another remarkable statement that Jesus made is: “I am the light of the world.” It would be pride for any other person to say this! But it is true that those that follow Him do not walk in darkness but have the light of life. Because of sin, all others are in moral and spiritual darkness.

The Lord Jesus always existed. One of His names is “I Am.” He not only became a man, but He was always God the Son (Proverbs 30:4; 8:30). It is important to believe this, because if He was only a man, He could not save us (Jeremiah 17:5).

From the very beginning, the devil told a lie to Eve and then led Cain to murder Abel. He did not abide in the truth that he knew. Jesus always told the truth, and sinful men did not like it because it convicted them.

The Jews said that Abraham was their father, but they weren’t acting as Abraham’s children. In wanting to kill Jesus, they were behaving as children of the devil. When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), they wanted to stone Him because He claimed to be God (see Exodus 3:14).

1. When answering the scribes and Pharisees about stoning the woman, who did Jesus say could throw the first stone? __________ John 8:___

2. Jesus is the light of the world. What do those that follow Him have? __________ John 8:___

3. What did Jesus say will happen to those who do not believe that He is the great “I Am”? __________ John 8:___

4. The devil is a murderer and a liar. What does not abide in him? __________ John 8:___

5. Abraham lived many years ago. What name does the Lord Jesus use for Himself that proves that He was before Abraham? __________ John 8:___

John 9

When the disciples asked, “Who did sin, this man, or his parents?” they knew that sickness, blindness and other afflictions came into the world because of sin. In Jesus’ answer, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him,” we learn that both a physical and a spiritual blessing would be his. The blind man was told to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. He obeyed and received sight. Rather than believe that a miracle had been performed, the Jews didn’t believe that he had been blind, so they called his parents. The parents were afraid of being put out of the synagogue, so they told a lie, because they did know that Jesus (verse 11) had opened their son’s eyes. These Jews pretended to give God the praise, while saying that Jesus is a sinner. They forgot “that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him” (John 5:23).

The blind man was growing in his knowledge of God. He knew that if any man would worship God and do His will, he would be heard.

The Jews didn’t want to hear this, so they cast him out. Jesus knew that they had done this and found him. When the Lord Jesus told him that He was the Son of God, he believed and worshipped the Lord. He received both physical and spiritual sight. What a blessing! Do you have both?

1. When the blind man was asked what happened when he washed in the pool of Siloam, what did he say? __________ John 9:___

2. Why were the parents of the blind man afraid of the Jews? What did they know would happen to anyone who said Jesus was Christ? __________ John 9:___

3. The Jews said, “Give God the praise.” What did they say about Jesus? __________ John 9:___

4. The blind man knew that if the man who gave him his sight were not of God, He could do __________. John 9:___

5. When the Lord Jesus said that He was the Son of God, what did the blind man do? __________ John 9:___

John 10

In this chapter the Lord Jesus is presented to us as the good shepherd. Do you know that He would even die for His own sheep?

The only way we can become one of His sheep is to receive Him as our Savior. Any man who wants to enter in and be saved must come through the Lord Jesus, for He is also the door — not one of many doors, but the only door by which we can enter God’s heaven.

The Lord Jesus proved His love for the sheep by laying down His life for them. A hireling would flee, but the good shepherd would rather die. He died because we were sinners, and His precious blood has put away our sins. Now He can offer eternal life to all those who trust in Him, and they shall never perish. What a wonderful gift this is! Have you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior?

The people that He was talking to had no love for Him because they were content with their religion and their sins. They rejected the One whom the Father sent into the world and said He was blaspheming, because He said, “I am the Son of God.” However, there were many who believed on Him and said, “All things that John spake of this man were true.”

1. After the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and he goes before them to lead them, what do the sheep do because they recognize his voice? __________ John 10:___

2. The Lord Jesus is the door. What will happen to anyone who enters in? __________ John 10:___

3. What does the good shepherd give for the sheep? __________ John 10:___

4. Eternal life is a gift. What will never happen to His sheep? __________ John 10:___

5. What did Jesus say of Himself, the One whom the Father had sanctified and sent into the world, that caused the Jews to accuse Him of blasphemy? __________ John 10:___

John 11

Sorrow has entered into this world because of sin. Sin also makes us weak, sick, and eventually we die. When the Lord Jesus was here, He healed the sick and raised the dead. What wonderful power He had! Even though He did these miracles, those in Judea wanted to kill Him. Jesus was going there again, and Thomas, called Didymus, said, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. Afterwards, when Mary came, she fell at His feet and said the same words as her sister: “Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” They knew the Lord could heal their brother, but they didn’t know that He could raise him from among the dead.

When Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth,” that dead man came out of the cave. What a testimony the people had that day to the power of God in the Man Christ Jesus! As a result, many believed on Him. However, there were others who refused to believe, and they went to the high priest. He told them “that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” That is exactly what came to pass. Blessing will finally come, not only to the nation of Israel, but also to all the children of God.

1. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, what did He say was the purpose of his sickness? __________ John 11:___

2. What did Thomas say as a reason for going with Jesus that showed he really loved the Lord? __________ John 11:___

3. When Mary heard that Jesus was coming, what did she do that Martha did not do? __________ John 11:___

4. Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” Then what happened? __________ John 11:___

5. What did Caiaphas consider to be expedient for them and the whole nation? __________ John 11:___

John 12

Jesus often went to Bethany. There was a family He loved who lived in that town. I think that Martha, Lazarus and Mary loved the Lord Jesus also, for they made Him a supper. Martha served, Lazarus sat at the table, and Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard and anointed the feet of Jesus.

As you can imagine, many people wanted to see Lazarus — the man that the Lord brought back to life again. But do you know that the chief priests wanted to put Lazarus to death again? Why? The reason was that many believed on Jesus because of Lazarus. Now that the Lord was in Jerusalem, He was about to give up His life. What did He mean when He said, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal”?

Many people love this world so much that they give no thought to eternal things, and others, who put the things of God first because they love the Lord, will enjoy eternal life with Him.

Even though Jesus did so many miracles, they didn’t believe on Him because their hearts were hardened by sin. They didn’t come to the light, for their deeds were evil. Will God judge people for their sinful deeds? Yes! In a coming day the Lord Jesus will judge people who do not repent by the very words that He spoke to them while on earth. How important it is that we believe the Bible, which is the Word of God.

1. What did Mary do with the pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly? __________ John 12:___

2. For what reason did the chief priests want to put Lazarus to death? __________ John 12:___

3. What did the Lord Jesus say about him who hates his life in this world? __________ John 12:___

4. Even though Jesus had done so many miracles in their presence, yet they still did __________ believe on Him. John 12:___

5. If anyone rejects Jesus and does not receive His words, what did He say will judge him in the last day? __________ John 12:___

John 13

The end of the Lord’s public ministry was drawing near. He was about to leave those whom He loved. In lowly grace, He began to wash the disciples’ feet. Peter thought there was no need for his Master to take a servant’s position. Jesus told Peter that he was clean, except that his feet needed to be washed. As Christians, we are easily soiled by the filth in this world. Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed ... according to Thy word.”

The Lord Jesus left us an example that we should apply the Word of God to ourselves and also share it with others. It is not enough to know these things, but we should do them as well; then we will be happy.

There was one disciple who had been with the Lord for more than three years whose heart had not changed. Judas had the bag of money and he was a thief. Why did Jesus say, “That thou doest, do quickly”? Because He knew Judas was about to betray Him. The Lord knows everyone’s heart; nothing can be hidden from Him.

Now that He was about to leave them, He wanted them to behave as He did. They were to love one another as He loved them. If we do this, everyone will know that we are disciples of the Lord Jesus.

1. Now that His hour to depart out of this world had arrived, Jesus wanted to demonstrate to His own how much He __________. John 13:___

2. The disciples (except for Judas) were clean. What was the only part of each disciple that needed to be washed? __________ John 13:___

3. If we know the things Jesus taught, we are happy if we __________. John 13:___

4. After Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, what did Jesus tell him? __________ John 13:___

5. All men will know that we are Jesus’ disciples if we have __________. John 13:___

John 14

The Lord said, “Now is My soul troubled” (John 12:27), but He tells His disciples, “Let not your heart be troubled.” What a precious Savior — always concerned about others, not Himself. May we be imitators of such grace! He was about to leave this world and prepare a place for His disciples. His very presence in heaven prepares the place for us!

Aren’t you glad that Thomas asked Jesus about the way? Now we have that well-known verse, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

Now that He was about to leave the world, His disciples would show their love by keeping His commandments or His words. We desire to do whatever pleases those whom we love. Also, He would send the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, who would instruct them in all things and recall the Lord’s words to their remembrance. This certainly would bring comfort and peace to their hearts during the Lord’s absence.

Why did the Lord say, “Arise, let us go hence”? He was showing the world His love to the Father and submission to His will. He was going to the cross of Calvary because He loved us too and would die for our sins so that we could be saved.

1. What has the Lord Jesus promised to do after He prepares a place for us? __________ John 14:___

2. When Thomas said that he didn’t know the way, what answer did Jesus give to him? __________ John 14:___

3. If we love the Lord Jesus, we should keep __________. John 14:___

4. What would the Lord Jesus leave with the disciples so that their hearts would not be afraid? __________ John 14:___

5. The Lord Jesus loves His Father, and so the Father’s commandment, which meant Jesus would die on the cross, He was going to __________. John 14:___

John 15

Have you ever walked through a vineyard and tasted those delicious grapes? It requires a lot of hard work to grow good grapes. The husbandman must constantly prune the branches and pull out the weeds. If a branch is to bear fruit, it must be connected to the vine in order to get nourishment. Now, the Lord is the true vine who brought forth fruit for God the Father. If we want to be fruitful, we must abide in the Lord and obey His words. If we live for ourselves, we cannot bring forth fruit for God. The reason these things were spoken unto us is because God wants us to be happy and our joy to be full.

In the Old Testament, there was a man named Abraham who was called “the friend of God” (James 2:23). But, do you know that we can be friends of God too? And if we are His friends, He will make all things known to us. Also, friends of God are not loved by the world, because they don’t belong to this world.

While here, the Lord certainly comforted His own. Now He was going to leave this world and send another Comforter from the Father. The Son came from the Father to bear witness to the Father, and the Spirit was coming from the Father to bear witness to the Son.

1. In order for the branch to bear fruit, where must it abide? __________ John 15:___

2. If we abide in Christ and His Word abides in us, He says we can ask what we will and what will happen? __________ John 15:___

3. The Lord Jesus has spoken these things to us that His joy would remain in us and that our joy __________. John 15:___

4. If we were of the world, it would love us. Why does the world hate us? We are __________. John 15:___

5. The Comforter that is sent from the Father also has another name. What is it? __________ John 15:___

John 16

In this chapter, the Lord Jesus tells the disciples what would take place after He was gone. They would be persecuted, but another Comforter would be sent after Jesus went away. The Comforter would reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. This is what He is doing today, as well as bringing many to Christ for salvation. He is also called the Spirit of truth because He would guide them into all the truth. How thankful we should be to have such a divine Person to comfort and instruct us until the Lord Jesus comes again!

Another thing that we can be sure of is the love of the Father. He loves us because He is love and sent His Son as proof of that love. We love His Son and believe on Him. When we realize that someone loves us, we are ready to do anything to make them happy. Even though the disciples loved the Lord, there was one thing they could not do. He must go to the cross alone. What an awful time that was when He was made sin for us. God can now forgive the repentant sinner who receives Christ as Savior. Such a person will then be filled with peace because he knows that all his sins are forgiven.

1. It was expedient for the disciples that the Lord Jesus would go away, because otherwise who would not come to them? __________ John 16:___

2. When the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide the disciples into what? __________ John 16:___

3. Why did Jesus say the Father Himself loved the disciples? __________ John 16:___

4. Every man would be scattered and would leave the Lord Jesus alone. But who would be with Him? __________ John 16:___

5. How can we have peace and good cheer in a world of tribulation? Jesus has __________. John 16:___

John 17

This chapter gives us the Lord’s prayer. Earlier (Luke 11:14) He taught the disciples how to pray. Notice that when the Lord prays, there is no confession of sin (for He is holy), no feeling of inferiority (for He is God) and no entreaty for help (for He can do all things). The Lord Jesus always glorified the Father, and soon the Father would glorify the Son by raising Him from among the dead. Furthermore, the Son has power to give eternal life to all those who receive Him as their Savior. Although all may avail themselves of this wonderful gift, not all men have faith, nor do they repent of their sin. But those who have and who keep His Word are prayed for and looked after in a special way. True, “He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35), but He prays for those who were given to Him, not for the world. They would be hated by the world but are left here as a witness. When He returns, then they will be taken out of this world, but His present prayer is that we be kept from all the evil around us.

Remember that the Lord Jesus always was; He had no beginning. The Father loved Him before the foundation of the world and always will. First Corinthians 16:22 Says, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” Literally that means, “Accursed at the Lord’s coming.”

1. To have eternal life is to truly know whom? __________ John 17:___

2. What does Jesus say that the disciples (those the Father had given Him out of the world) had kept? __________ John 17:___

3. The Lord Jesus prays for those who were given to Him. Who does He not pray for? __________ John 17:___

4. Although the Lord Jesus does not pray that they should be taken out of the world, what is His request for them? __________ John 17:___

5. The Father has loved the Lord Jesus since before __________. John 17:___

John 18

The Lord had often gone to the Garden of Gethsemane in the Mount of Olives to pray and to be alone with His disciples. Judas knew this and was able to lead a large group of people to the place. They said that they were seeking Jesus of Nazareth. When Jesus answered, “I am,” they went backward and fell to the ground. It was just a little display of God’s power, but it did not change their evil purpose. How often God gives us warnings that we are doing wrong!

The disciples saw that their Lord was about to be taken. Peter had a sword and was going to defend his Master. He swung his sword and cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant, whose name was Malchus. Sometimes we can lose our temper and cut off a person’s ear with sharp words. Poor Peter was in a bad state of soul. Now he gets into the company of the ungodly. It wasn’t long before he even denied his Lord before the damsel who kept the door. A believer can become very cowardly when not in communion with Jesus. Do you not think that Jesus knew we would be such failures? He even told Peter beforehand that after he denied Jesus the third time, the cock would crow. Peter did deny Jesus, but the Lord still loved him, and He loves us too!

First they led Jesus to Annas and then to Caiaphas the high priest because it was still too early. Next they brought Him before Pilate, the ruler of the land. Pilate wanted to know what evil Jesus had done. Jesus said that He was a king but that He came into the world to bear witness to the truth and that everyone that was of the truth heard His voice. Do you think that Pilate really wanted to hear the truth of God? If so, he would have stayed in the presence of the Lord, but instead we read that “he went out” and delivered Jesus to be crucified.

1. When Jesus said “I am” to the people seeking Him, what happened? __________ John 18:___

2. Who cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant? __________ John 18:___

3. What answer did Peter give to the damsel who kept the door? __________ John 18:___

4. When Peter denied the Lord for the third time, what happened? __________ John 18:___

5. Why was the Lord born and for what cause did He come into the world? __________ John 18:___

John 19

How people felt towards Jesus now comes out. Pilate scourged Him; the soldiers platted a crown of thorns and put it on His head and put on Him a purple robe; the chief priests and officers said, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” “The thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35). At the cross, the heart of God, the heart of Satan, the hearts of men, the heart of the thief and the heart of Jesus were revealed.

Finally, Pilate yields to the crowds about the time of the preparation of the Passover, for that feast really speaks of the sacrifice of God’s Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:29). We read in 1 Corinthians 5:7 that “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.”

Having crucified Jesus between two thieves, Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. It was not an accusation, for there was none, but rather a statement of fact as to who He was. It was written in three languages so that all could read and understand.

After three hours of darkness during which Jesus suffered for sins, He said, “It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.” Man had one last act of wickedness to perform. A soldier came and with a spear pierced His side, and blood and water came out. That soldier had no idea that he was fulfilling Scripture in what he did.

Now, two who loved Jesus came forward to do honor to that blessed Person: Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, and Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night. Never again do wicked men touch or see the Lord before He ascends to heaven.

1. What else did the soldiers put on Jesus besides a purple robe? __________ John 19:___

2. At the preparation of the Passover, about the sixth hour, what did Pilate say to the Jews? __________ John 19:___

3. Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. What was it? __________ John 19:___

4. When the soldier pierced the side of Jesus with a spear, what came out? __________ John 19:___

5. What is the name of the secret disciple of Jesus who came and took the body of Jesus? __________ John 19:___

John 20

It was love for her Lord that brought Mary Magdalene to the sepulcher so early in the morning. When she got there, the stone had been taken away. She ran to tell Peter and the other disciple that the Lord had been taken out of the sepulcher. Is that what really happened? No, but that is what she thought! Simon Peter and the other disciple came and confirmed the fact that the Lord was not there and then returned to their homes. But what about poor Mary? Her heart was broken because the object of her affections was gone! Mary stood at the sepulcher weeping. Then she saw two angels and another man she thought was the gardener. It was really Jesus, and when He said her name, she recognized Him as her Master. She was told to “go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father and your Father; and to My God, and your God.”

Although the disciples were assembled in a room where the doors were shut, that did not hinder the Lord from entering. His words, “Peace be unto you,” calmed their fearful hearts and made them glad. Then He showed them His hands and His side. However, Thomas was not there, and he refused to believe the good news that the Lord was alive. After eight days the Lord appeared to them again and Thomas was there. Jesus reproved Thomas, because he would not believe until he had seen the Lord. Today, there are thousands of people who are blessed because they believe the Bible even though they have never seen the Lord Jesus with their eyes.

1. What message did Mary Magdalene deliver to Simon Peter and the other disciple about the sepulcher? __________ John 20:___

2. The disciples went away to their own home, but what did Mary do? __________ John 20:___

3. When Mary heard Jesus say her name, what did she call Him? __________ John 20:___

4. On the first day of the week when the disciples were together, what did Jesus say to them? __________ John 20:___

5. Many more things about Jesus could be written, but the Word of God is written so that we, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, might have __________. John 20:___

John 21

The Lord had told Peter, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Do you think Peter forgot this when he said, “I go a fishing,” and entered into his boat? That night they didn’t catch any fish, because they were not doing what the Lord wanted them to do.

All the fish in the water are under His control, and when they cast the net where the Lord told them, the net was full of great fishes. What a great lesson He taught the disciples that day!

Now it was time for the Lord to have a few words with Peter. He had denied his Lord three times. Did he really love the Lord more than the others? How humbling it must have been to Peter for the Lord to ask him three times about his love for Him. In fact, Peter was grieved and finally said, “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.”

Then Peter was told how he would die. As an old man, his hands would be stretched out in crucifixion. In his death, Peter would glorify God.

The Lord Jesus performed many other miracles that are not recorded by John, but enough was written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Perhaps the world itself could not contain the books if everything about Jesus were written.

1. Simon Peter and his friends worked all night. What did they catch? __________ John 21:___

2. After the net was cast on the right side, how many fish did they catch? __________ John 21:___

3. What reply did Peter give when he was asked the third time, “Lovest thou Me?” __________ John 21:___

4. Jesus said that when Peter was old, he would stretch forth his hands. What did this signify? __________ John 21:___

5. The Apostle John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” wrote all these things about the Lord Jesus, and his testimony is __________. John 21:___

Acts 1

In the Book of Acts we see how God began to “gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:52). Comparing the first verse of Acts with Luke 1:3 leads us to believe the writer was Luke. Acts is the connecting link between the four Gospels and the Epistles. The latter part of this book takes up, almost exclusively, the labors of Paul, who was not one of the 12 original apostles. The Book of Acts shows us how the Lord built His church after the descent of the Holy Spirit. It is the great historical book of the New Testament.

After the Lord rose from the grave, He appeared to the disciples and gave many infallible proofs that He was indeed alive again. How this must have cheered their hearts! He told them to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them. This took place only ten days after the Lord was taken up to heaven. The disciples saw Jesus ascend until a cloud received Him out of their sight. Then two angels told these men of Galilee that Jesus would come again as they had seen Him go.

Returning to Jerusalem, they continued with one accord in prayer, being about 120 in number. Peter then stood up in their midst and said that someone must take Judas’ place as an apostle. It had to be a man who had been with them all the time that the Lord Jesus was among them. They prayed and cast lots and Matthias was chosen to be with the other apostles, bringing their number to 12 again.

1. How many days did the apostles see Jesus, receiving many infallible proofs that He was alive again? __________ Acts 1:___

2. The apostles would receive power after the Holy Spirit came upon them. Name the four places where they were called to witness for the Lord. __________ Acts 1:___

3. What promise did the two men in white apparel give to the men of Galilee about the same Jesus who was taken up from them into heaven? __________ Acts 1:___

4. The men and women who were together in the upper room continued with one accord in __________. Acts 1:___

5. After they prayed and cast lots, who was numbered with the 11 apostles? __________ Acts 1:___

Acts 2

The Lord Jesus had commanded the disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit was sent from heaven. They were there in one place on the day of Pentecost. Suddenly, a sound like a great wind filled the house where they were sitting and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they began to speak in other tongues, or languages, that they had never learned. What a remarkable thing this was! Men from many different nations were in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, yet they heard these Galileans speak their language. How could this be possible? Some said they were drunk. However, Peter reminded them that the prophet Joel foretold of such a thing happening in the last days. Also, David, being a prophet, was told that a descendent of his, Christ, would sit on his throne. Israel would assuredly know that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ. Many believed Peter’s word that day and were baptized, greatly increasing the number of the believers. What do you think they did then? We read that “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” These are also good things to be doing right now in the twenty-first century.

1. When they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, what did they begin to do? __________ Acts 2:___

2. Men from many different countries heard Galileans speaking in their tongues. What were they speaking about? __________ Acts 2:___

3. What did God swear to the patriarch and prophet David with an oath about his offspring, the fruit of his loins? __________ Acts 2:___

4. When Peter preached, how many received his message and were baptized? __________ Acts 2:___

5. Those that were saved continued steadfastly in four things. What were they? __________ Acts 2:___

Acts 3

In this third chapter of Acts we have Peter’s second recorded sermon. It is interesting to see how God chose to present the message of His grace through the apostles. Their theme was Christ crucified, risen and glorified. Peter and John meet a lame man, 40 years old, at the gate called Beautiful. He is a picture of Israel with beautiful religious ceremonies but having no power to get the blessing. The apostles had neither silver nor gold, but they knew Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Do you know Him? It is the most important matter in life — to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Sadly, Israel as a nation denied this Holy One and desired a murderer instead. They should have known better because they had the Old Testament. In it, God showed by the mouth of all His prophets that Christ would suffer for the sins of the people. Peter told them that even though they did this wicked deed, they could repent and be converted, and their sins would be blotted out. God loved His earthly people Israel and raised up His Son Jesus as the only sacrifice that could put away their iniquities.

1. Since Peter had neither silver nor gold, what could he give to the lame man? __________ Acts 3:___

2. The men of Israel desired a murderer to be granted to them, but who did they deny? __________ Acts 3:___

3. What things did God show before by the mouth of all His prophets? __________ Acts 3:___

4. Had Israel repented and been converted, what would have come to them from the presence of the Lord? __________ Acts 3:___

5. God sent His Son Jesus to the nation of Israel first to __________ them if they would turn away from their iniquities. Acts 3:___

Acts 4

Now we are coming to opposition from the leaders of the old religious system. The Sadducees denied that there is any resurrection after death, so they didn’t like what Peter was saying in the previous chapter. They laid hands on Peter and John and locked them up overnight. However, thousands of men had already heard and believed the Word of God. Although His servants are in bonds, “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Before all the council, Peter boldly declared that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the lame man could stand and be whole. Well, these religious leaders didn’t want to hear that, so they commanded them not to teach in the name of Jesus and further threatened them. The apostles answered that they had to speak about those things that they had seen and heard.

Being let go, they went to their own company, and what joy filled their hearts! They spoke to God concerning what all the people did to His holy child Jesus, who was anointed by God as king. What a praise and prayer meeting that was! Not only were they all filled with the Holy Spirit, but the place was shaken where they were. God’s eye was upon these early believers. His love and care for us is just the same today.

1. Even though Peter and John were put in hold, how many men had already heard and believed the Word? __________ Acts 4:___

2. By what name was the lame man made whole and able to walk? __________ Acts 4:___

3. What things did Peter and John say they were obligated to speak about? __________ Acts 4:___

4. Who were the kings and rulers of the world gathered together against? __________ Acts 4:___

5. After they prayed, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God with __________. Acts 4:___

Acts 5

In the prior chapter we saw how Jewish believers realized that they had a heavenly portion and they gave up their earthly possessions. This chapter begins with the word “But,” bringing in failure and decline. The enemy now begins to work within the flock of God. Ananias and Sapphira were lying to the Holy Spirit. Their death caused such fear among the people that no one would dare to join the apostles unless they were real believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord worked so mightily that multitudes were saved and healed. Even Peter’s shadow brought healing, and none who came left sick. Thus did blessing begin at Jerusalem and then spread out to neighboring cities.

This mighty work stirred up the envy and wrath of the religious people, so they put the apostles in prison. However, the angel of the Lord opened the prison and instructed them to continue speaking to the people. They were brought before the Sadducees and told not to speak about Jesus, but Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” This is true even now in the twenty-first century. The good news of forgiveness of sins was then preached to the council. But instead of receiving it, they wanted to kill the apostles. A Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up and reminded the council that in previous times there were other leaders and their followers who came to nothing. If this work was of men, it would likewise soon come to an end. But if this was all of God, they could not overthrow it, for they could not fight against God. Thus the apostles, after being beaten, were set free and continued their preaching about Jesus Christ in the temple and in every house. May we also count it a joy to suffer dishonor for His name.

1. Against whom was Ananias lying when he kept back part of the price of the land? __________ Acts 5:___

2. Although the people magnified the apostles for the many signs and wonders they did, what did no unconverted man dare to do? __________ Acts 5:___

3. Sick people and those who were vexed with unclean spirits were brought to the city of Jerusalem. How many of them were healed? __________ Acts 5:___

4. What answer did Peter and the other apostles give the council? __________ Acts 5:___

5. If a work is of God, you cannot overthrow it. If you try, who will you be fighting against? __________ Acts 5:___

Acts 6

In the prior chapter we read about lying. Now we hear about murmuring (grumbling). Wherever the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit act in grace and power, the enemy comes and tries to spoil the work of God. Remember how Israel murmured in the Book of Exodus? The flesh never changes, and only the Lord can help us to keep it from acting. The number of the disciples had greatly multiplied by now, and it must have been a tremendous task to feed so many widows. The apostles told the multitude of disciples to select seven men who were honest, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. When this was done, the apostles prayed and showed their fellowship by laying their hands on them. One of the chosen men was Stephen. He was full of faith and power and did great wonders and miracles. He also spoke with such wisdom and spirit that the Jews became angry. They induced false witnesses to say that Stephen said blasphemous words against that holy place and the law. Well, the Lord vindicated His servant by making Stephen’s face shine. The one who was accused of reviling the law and Moses was given the same sign that Moses had. Their unbelief did not allow them to make the connection between the two. Do you not think that a young man named Saul, who was also there, saw Stephen’s face? It surely reflected the glory of heaven’s light!

1. What three things had to be true of the seven men that they chose? __________ Acts 6:___

2. After the apostles prayed for these seven men, what else did they do, showing fellowship with them? __________ Acts 6:___

3. When Stephen spoke, what two things were they unable to resist? __________ Acts 6:___

4. What two things did they say that Stephen was speaking blasphemous words against? __________ Acts 6:___

5. Exodus 34:35 says that “Moses’ face shone.” When the council looked on Stephen’s face, what did they see? __________ Acts 6:___

Acts 7

When Stephen makes his defense, he starts with Abraham. Abraham once served idols (Joshua 24:2), but before the law was given, he was justified and accounted righteous because he believed God (Romans 3:28; 4:3). As Stephen speaks, he presents a powerful testimony to the nation of Israel, as well as against it. The accused becomes the accuser.

Next he speaks of the patriarchs. They envied Joseph, just as these religious leaders envied the Lord Jesus (Matthew 27:18). But God was with Joseph and exalted him in Egypt. When the patriarchs came to buy food the second time, Joseph revealed that he was their brother. After a long time, Moses was born. Did his brethren understand that he would deliver them? No, they refused him. Nonetheless, God had pity on the people when He saw their affliction and heard their groaning. Israel’s entire history had been the rejection of God’s prophets, even putting some to death. Many of them had spoken beforehand of the coming of the Just One, the Lord Jesus, whom they had betrayed and murdered. When they heard these things, instead of confessing their guilt, they were very angry with Stephen. This fearless man was so full of the Holy Spirit that his eyes saw Jesus in the opened heaven and the glory of God. Stephen committed his spirit to the Lord Jesus and then prayed for his enemies. The Lord Jesus first prayed for His enemies and then committed His spirit (Luke 23:34,46). The nation had now fully rejected God’s gracious offer of Christ.

1. Even though the patriarchs, Joseph’s brothers, were envious and sold him into Egypt, who was with him? __________ Acts 7:___

2. The second time they went to Egypt, __________ was made known to them, and they were made known to __________. Acts 7:___

3. The Lord saw the affliction and heard the groaning of His people. Now what was He going to do for them? __________ Acts 7:___

4. The prophets showed before of the coming of the Just One. Now, the people to whom Stephen was speaking were His __________ and __________. Acts 7:___

5. When Stephen saw the heavens opened, who did he see? __________ Acts 7:___

Acts 8

The last offer to the nation of Israel had been completely rejected, so now the gospel is sent to the Gentiles. This is accomplished by allowing a great persecution against the believers in Jerusalem. As a result, they were scattered everywhere, taking the gospel with them. Now in the city of Samaria, there was a magician named Simon, who fooled all the people with his magic. From the least to the greatest, they thought that Simon was the great power of God. However, when Philip preached about God and Jesus Christ, Simon professed faith and was baptized. When the Lord was here, “many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did.” They couldn’t deny the miracles, but they wouldn’t confess their sins and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior (John 2:23-25). It was so with Simon. He knew the miracles were real, but his heart was unrepentant. The Apostle Peter knew this and told Simon, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” What God has to offer is “without money and without price.”

Next, Philip is told to speak to one individual in a desert. God knew that there was a seeking person who needed the Savior. This Ethiopian man had great responsibilities, but there was a void in his heart. He had obtained a copy of the Scriptures and was reading Isaiah 53 when Philip joined his chariot. This chapter speaks of Jesus, and when it was explained to the eunuch, he believed it in his heart. The void he had was filled and he went on his way rejoicing. Philip’s mission in the desert was accomplished and he was caught away to serve the Lord elsewhere, before coming to his home in Cæsarea. How wonderfully the Lord directed and used this evangelist!

1. What did the disciples do when they were scattered abroad? __________ Acts 8:___

2. What did all the people of Samaria, from the least to the greatest, say about Simon? __________ Acts 8:___

3. How did Simon think that he could obtain the gift of God? __________ Acts 8:___

4. What prophet’s writing was the Ethiopian eunuch reading when Philip ran to him? __________ Acts 8:___

5. After the eunuch was baptized and Philip was caught away, the eunuch went on his way __________. Acts 8:___

Acts 9

This chapter gives us the remarkable conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Because he persecuted the believers in Christ, he considered himself to be the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), but God had mercy on him. His hatred for the Lord’s people led him as far as Damascus, where he intended to bind the men and women and bring them to Jerusalem. However, the Lord’s eye was upon him, as it is upon each one of us, every moment of the day. Do you think we can ever do anything and hide it from God? As Saul pursued his evil course, a light from heaven was followed by a voice that said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” Saul replied, “Who art Thou, Lord?” The answer must have astounded this religious man. He had plenty of time to think about it because he lost his sight for three days and didn’t eat or drink. The Lord told Ananias to go to Straight Street and inquire for Saul in the house of Judas. Then Saul was given his sight and the Holy Spirit. Thus strengthened, he immediately began to preach that Christ was the Son of God. The Jews in Damascus didn’t like this and went about to kill Saul. However, the Lord had a work for Saul to do, and he escaped out of their hands. Isn’t it comforting to know that our lives are in His hands?

The Apostle Peter performed a miracle in Lydda for a man named Eneas, and when the people saw it, they all turned to the Lord. Then Peter went to Joppa where a woman named Dorcas had just died. She was full of good works and made things for all the widows. After Peter prayed to the Lord, Dorcas came to life again, and, as a result, many in Joppa believed in the Lord. What great joy there must have been in Lydda, Saron and Joppa. Have you ever experienced this joy in your life?

1. If Saul found any of “this way” (Christians) in the synagogues of Damascus, what did he want to do with them? __________ Acts 9:___

2. When Saul asked, “Who art Thou, Lord?” what was the reply? __________ Acts 9:___

3. Ananias would find Saul in the house of Judas, who lived on a street called Straight. What was Saul doing? __________ Acts 9:___

4. What did Saul preach in the synagogues about Christ? __________ Acts 9:___

5. All the widows showed Peter samples of the types of things that Dorcas had made. What were they? __________ Acts 9:___

Acts 10

Now we have a Gentile man who feared God. He also gave much alms and prayed to God always. God remembered this man and was going to save him. An angel told him to send men to the house of Simon, a tanner, and ask for Peter. On the morrow, Peter had a vision and saw a great sheet descend from heaven filled with beasts, creeping things and birds of the air. Many of these creatures were unclean for a Jewish man like Peter, but the Lord said, “Kill, and eat.” He answered, “Not so, Lord.” If we call Him Lord, don’t say, “Not so,” when He tells us to do so. Then the Lord spoke to Peter again the second time, and finally he got the message. The next day he took six men with him and went to Cæsarea. The house of Cornelius had many relatives and friends who wanted to hear what Peter had to say. How good it is to hear the Word of God! Peter now realized that anyone who fears God and works righteousness is accepted of Him, regardless of what nation they come from. Salvation wasn’t for the Jews only. They heard the good news how God anointed the Lord Jesus, that He died on a tree and then was raised the third day, and now whosoever would believe on Him would receive remission of sins. Do you know what happened? They did just that — believed, had their sins forgiven, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit! Then they were baptized, and you can be sure that they were also filled with joy. A Christian has good reason to be happy!

1. What two things did Cornelius do that came up as a memorial before God? __________ Acts 10:___

2. When the voice spoke to Peter the second time, what did it say? __________ Acts 10:___

3. What things did Cornelius want to hear from Peter? __________ Acts 10:___

4. In every nation, whoever __________ God and works __________ is accepted with Him. Acts 10:___

5. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power. He was able to do all the good and healing that He did because who was with Him? __________ Acts 10:___

Acts 11

The fact that Gentiles were now being saved caused a great commotion in Jerusalem. Was the Jewish nation no longer in a favored position above all other people? Peter had some explaining to do when he returned home! He related, step by step, how, in a vision, he saw a great sheet let down three times from heaven. Then men came from Cæsarea inquiring for him, and the Spirit told him to go with them. Peter obeyed and took six other brethren with him. We always do well when we obey the Lord. Now Cornelius showed them how he had seen an angel in his house telling him to send for Peter who would tell him words (not works) whereby he and all his house would be saved. And so it came to pass. What could the Jewish believers do but glorify God for granting repentance unto life for Gentiles too.

The Lord used the persecution of the saints for the spreading of the gospel. These evangelists carried the good news to distant places and the Lord was with them, causing many to believe. These new believers needed to be fed spiritual food, so Barnabas, a pastor, was sent to give words of exhortation. His ministry was blessed and many other people were added unto the Lord. All these disciples in Antioch were called Christians. They were followers of Christ and others could see it.

Hard times were coming upon the brethren which lived in Judea, so these new believers in Antioch sent help to their Jewish brethren. The Gentiles received of their spiritual things and now they return of their material things. What a display of their oneness in Christ!

1. How many times was the great sheet let down from heaven? __________ Acts 11:___

2. Who accompanied Peter to Cornelius’ house as witnesses? __________ Acts 11:___

3. Cornelius had done many good works, but he was not saved by them. Rather, he heard __________ of the gospel from Peter by which he and his house were saved. Acts 11:___

4. When the hand of the Lord was with them, what happened? __________ Acts 11:___

5. What were the disciples first called in Antioch? __________ Acts 11:___

Acts 12

The Jews rejected Christ as their king, so they now have a wicked, willful king named Herod. Both the king and the Jews hated the church and persecuted it. James was slain and Peter was put in prison. This greatly pleased the Jews. Is there anything that Christians can do in such circumstances? Yes, we can pray! That is exactly what they did, and much prayer was made for Peter, and the Lord heard and answered their prayer. An angel was sent to the prison and led Peter outside the iron gate. Was it only a dream? Peter could hardly believe that it was true! The Lord had actually delivered him out of the hand of Herod. Now what should he do? Where should he go this hour of the night? If anyone would still be praying, it would be Mary, the mother of Mark, so he went to her house and knocked at the door. Rhoda recognized Peter’s voice, but the others didn’t believe her. They thought it was his angel, but, upon opening the door, they were astonished to see that the Lord had actually answered their prayers! The Lord always answers our prayers — sometimes not the way we like, but always for our good and blessing.

Now, what about this wicked man Herod? God wasn’t finished with him yet. After a great speech, Herod took all the credit to himself, so the angel of the Lord smote him with worms and he died. Every breath we take is God-given. We ought to acknowledge Him in everything we do.

1. When Herod killed James, whom did it please, so that he took Peter also? __________ Acts 12:___

2. What did the church do for Peter while he was in prison? __________ Acts 12:___

3. Who sent the angel to deliver Peter out of the hand of Herod and from the expectation of the Jews? __________ Acts 12:___

4. When Rhoda told them that Peter was at the gate, what did they say to her? __________ Acts 12:___

5. Why did the angel of the Lord smite Herod? __________ Acts 12:___

Acts 13

In the city of Antioch there were a number of Gentile believers who met for prayer and ministry. One day, as they were thus occupied, the Holy Spirit told them that He had a work for Barnabas and Saul to do. The others laid hands on them in fellowship, prayed and then let them go. These two then departed to the isle of Cyprus in the Mediterranean. They met a prudent man named Sergius Paulus whose desire was to hear the Word of God. The devil does not like it when we want to hear God’s Word, and he will try to hinder, oppose or occupy us with many other things.

After leaving the island, they went to Antioch in Pisidia and entered into a synagogue on the Sabbath day. After the reading of the law and the prophets, Paul spoke to them. He told them that the voices of the prophets, which were read every Sabbath, were fulfilled when they condemned Christ. How solemn it is to know the Scriptures and yet not believe them! Many who can quote Bible verses are lost. The gospel brings good news to poor sinners. Paul wanted all the men in that synagogue to know that through the Man Christ Jesus they could have the forgiveness of sins and be justified from all things. Again, Satan raised opposition to the good news of salvation to the Jews. Paul said, “Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord by believing. They were then filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

1. Who said, “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them”? __________ Acts 13:___

2. What did Sergius Paulus desire from Barnabas and Saul? __________ Acts 13:___

3. How did the rulers of Jerusalem fulfill the voices of the prophets? __________ Acts 13:___

4. What did Paul want his Jewish brethren to know was being preached about this Man (Jesus)? __________ Acts 13:___

5. When the Gentiles heard Paul’s preaching, they were glad and __________. Acts 13:___

Acts 14

The next city that Paul and Barnabas came to was Iconium. The message that they preached in the synagogue brought a great multitude of Jews and Greeks to the Lord. The unbelievers made the minds of others to be evil affected against the brethren. God used this opposition for the spread of the gospel. As a result, they fled to Lystra and Derbe where the gospel was preached. In Lystra, Paul healed a man who was crippled. When people saw what was done, they said in the speech of Lycaonia, “The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.” They were heathen and had no knowledge of the only true God. The apostles told them about the living God, which made heaven and earth. This God did not leave Himself without witness, for He sent rain and fruitful seasons, showing that He was good.

After returning to Antioch, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, not what they had done for God. We should always acknowledge God in all our ways (Proverbs 3:6).

1. Who stirred up the Gentiles to make their minds evil affected against the brethren? __________ Acts 14:___

2. When Paul and Barnabas reached Lystra and Derbe, what did they do there? __________ Acts 14:___

3. When the people saw Paul heal a crippled man, what did they shout about Paul and Barnabas? __________ Acts 14:___

4. In times past, God did not leave Himself without witness: He gave __________ from heaven and __________ seasons. Acts 14:___

5. When Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch, what did they do when they gathered the church together? __________ Acts 14:___

Acts 15

A critical time had now arrived for the church. An important question had to be settled. The relation of believing Gentiles to the law and to circumcision was to be determined. Paul and Barnabas with others were delegated to go to Jerusalem with this question. As they passed through various countries, they related how Gentiles were being converted to the Lord Jesus.

At Jerusalem, the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. Then Peter stood up and reminded them that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ alone they were saved. Law-keeping had nothing to do with their salvation. Then all the people listened as Barnabas and Paul related the wonders that God did among the Gentiles. Finally, James related how God wanted to take out of the Gentiles a people for His name. Now, all of the church were of one mind and sent letters to their Gentile brethren concerning their conclusion. It was necessary that brethren everywhere abstain from meats offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from fornication. When this epistle was read to the multitude, they rejoiced. Two other prophets, Judas and Silas, also exhorted the brethren and confirmed them.

The closing paragraph of this chapter describes the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey.

1. As they passed through Phenice and Samaria, what caused great joy unto all the brethren? __________ Acts 15:___

2. What did Peter believe happened through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ? __________ Acts 15:___

3. For what purpose did God at the first visit the Gentiles? __________ Acts 15:___

4. We do well to abstain or keep ourselves from four things: pollutions of idols, __________, things strangled, and __________. Acts 15:___

5. Name two prophets who exhorted the brethren and confirmed them. __________ Acts 15:___

Acts 16

Paul and Silas now traveled on through Phrygia and Galatia, but they were forbidden to preach in Asia by the Holy Spirit. They followed divine guidance. Later on, Paul spent three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31), “so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:10). While they were in Troas, Paul saw, in a vision, a man of Macedonia saying, “Come over ... and help us.” (Could this man have been the jailer of Philippi, the chief city of Macedonia?)

Right away, they sailed to their destination and, on the Sabbath day, joined with a group of Jews for prayer. We might consider the riverside an unusual place for prayer, but God hears no matter where we are. A woman named Lydia received the Lord as her Savior as a result of Paul’s preaching and immediately showed hospitality to the apostles. The enemy gets angry when God works through His servants, so he had them beaten and thrown into prison. Do you think Paul and Silas were sad? No, we read that “at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Then God sent an earthquake and opened all the prison doors. When the frightened jailer saw this, he was going to kill himself, but Paul told him, “We are all here.” Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” He did believe and, as a result, rejoiced with all his house. The next morning, the authorities came and brought the apostles out of the prison. Paul and Silas then saw the brethren, comforted them and departed.

1. Who appeared to Paul in a vision appealing for him to come and “help us”? __________ Acts 16:___

2. In what place did they join some women for prayer? __________ Acts 16:___

3. At midnight, what did Paul and Silas do? __________ Acts 16:___

4. When the prison keeper brought them out, what important question did he ask? __________ Acts 16:___

5. After Paul and Silas went out of the prison, they went to whose house to see their brethren? __________ Acts 16:___

Acts 17

This chapter gives us three cities where the gospel was next preached. In Thessalonica there was much hostility. In Berea there was much blessing because of submission to the Scriptures. In Athens there was idolatry, indifference and ridicule.

From Philippi, Paul and Silas traveled about 100 miles before coming to Thessalonica (present-day Saloniki), a center of commerce located on trade routes. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue of the Jews and began to read the Scriptures. We are happy to see that some of them believed and joined themselves to Paul and Silas. However, the unbelievers stirred up opposition, so the brethren immediately sent them away by night to Berea. Here, the Jews searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things that the apostles said were so. Wasn’t that a noble thing to do? We should always test everything we hear by the Word of God. After being driven out of Berea, Paul was brought to Athens. In this city, there was much learning and idle time spent in telling or hearing something new. But with all their learning, Paul noticed that the city was wholly given up to idolatry. How true it is that man “by wisdom knew not God” (1 Corinthians 1:21). Using an altar with the inscription “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” as his text, Paul preached to the Athenians about the God who made the world and did not dwell in temples made with hands. Such a God gave us life and breath as well as all things, desiring that we should seek Him. If men didn’t repent and seek God but remained in their sins, they could be sure that the day was coming when they would be judged by that Man whom God had raised from among the dead. May none of us ever be among those who mocked when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, because “God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7).

1. When Paul opened the Scriptures, he proved that Christ (the Messiah of the Old Testament) had to suffer and then rise from the dead and that this One he preached about was, in fact, named __________. Acts 17:___

2. Those in Berea more noble than those in Thessalonica because they searched __________ daily to test whether the preaching was really true. Acts 17:___

3. What city was wholly given up to idolatry? __________ Acts 17:___

4. Why does God not dwell in temples made with hands? __________ Acts 17:___

5. What assurance do we have that this world will be judged in righteousness? __________ Acts 17:___

Acts 18

Now Paul left Athens and was led of the Holy Spirit to journey westward to Corinth, the capital of Achaia. This city was noted for immorality, but God wanted the gospel to reach these sinners. What a joy it must have been to Paul to be led to the home of Aquila and Priscilla. They must have enjoyed sweet fellowship as they toiled together in their trade as tentmakers. Aquila and Priscilla, being Jews, were commanded by the emperor to leave Rome. An assembly of believers gathered in Corinth. As Paul continued there for a year and six months, there was plenty of time for good teaching so that the Corinthians could be established in the faith. Again we see that it wasn’t long before the Jews raised up opposition to the truth of God. Paul was taken hold of and brought before Gallio’s judgment seat. He cared for none of those things that Paul was charged with, considering it only to be a question of words, names and the Jewish law. Paul then left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, and while they were there, an eloquent man named Apollos came through. He only knew the teaching of John the Baptist, but he soon learned the way of God more perfectly. Now that he knew that Jesus was the Christ, he was of much help to the believers in Achaia. The more we learn of God’s Word, the more we can help others.

1. Why did Aquila and Priscilla have to leave Rome in Italy? __________ Acts 18:___

2. How long did Paul continue teaching the Word of God in Corinth? __________ Acts 18:___

3. When Sosthenes was beaten before the judgment seat, what was Gallio’s attitude? __________ Acts 18:___

4. Name the man who was eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures. __________ Acts 18:___

5. When he traveled through Achaia, he mightily convinced the Jews publicly by the Scriptures that __________. Acts 18:___

Acts 19

The disciples whom Paul found at Ephesus were disciples of John. They knew that the Messiah was at hand and had shown their repentance by baptism as preparation for receiving Him as king. They did not know that Christ had died, had been buried, had risen from the dead and ascended back to heaven, and that He had sent the Holy Spirit. Paul explained all this to them. He reminded them that John baptized to repentance, and they were then to believe on Him who would come after him. This they did and then the Holy Spirit came on these 12 men who were now disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul preached for three months in a synagogue, but then he left because of dissension. A group of disciples continued with the Apostle, to whom he ministered the word of the Lord Jesus for two years. Because there was so much idolatry in Ephesus, God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. The result was that the powers of darkness were overcome, many believed, and they confessed their evil deeds. They brought their curious arts and books of charms to be burned with fire. Although the cost of all these things was great, they now had unsearchable riches in Christ. Do you think the enemy was going to do nothing about this? Very quickly, the whole city was angry and in a state of confusion. They rushed into the theater and began to cry out, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” They really thought that their worship of this goddess could not be spoken against, but today no one worships the goddess Diana. After two hours, the town clerk quieted the people and told them that there was a legal way to settle such disputes. He was concerned that others would question the authorities for allowing such an uproar.

1. When John baptized to repentance, he told the people that they needed to believe on the Man coming after him. What was His name? __________ Acts 19:___

2. Paul taught the disciples in the school of Tyrannus two years. What was the blessed result? __________ Acts 19:___

3. What was the price of the curious arts and books that were burned in Ephesus? __________ Acts 19:___

4. How long did they shout, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians”? __________ Acts 19:___

5. Why were they in danger of being called in question for that day’s uproar? __________ Acts 19:___

Acts 20

Have you ever taken a long trip with friends? It is so nice to have them along and the time seems to go faster. Well, the Apostle Paul had those who accompanied him into Asia. What a comfort these dear ones must have been! It seems as if Paul often stayed in an area for seven days (Acts 20:6; 28:14) so that he could break bread in remembrance of the Lord on the first day of the week. In Troas, a young man named Eutychus had quite a fall, but the Lord spared his life and encouraged the disciples in that city. The Apostle Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, so he sent for the elders of Ephesus to come to Miletus. He brought to their attention what his ministry had been both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, both publicly and privately. He also told them what would happen after he was gone, and he left instructions. They were to feed the church of God, so precious that it was purchased with the blood of His own Son. They were never to see the Apostle’s face again, but did they not have a resource? Yes — the same one that we have today. He was able to commend them to God and to the word of His grace. If we avail ourselves of these two resources, we will be preserved for His glory.

1. Seven men were going to accompany Paul into Asia. Where did they wait for him to join them? __________ Acts 20:___

2. On the first day of the week, for what purpose did the disciples come together? __________ Acts 20:___

3. The Apostle Paul testified two things whenever he preached the gospel to Jews or Gentiles: __________ and __________. Acts 20:___

4. What were the overseers to do for the flock of God? __________ Acts 20:___

5. Now that Paul was going to leave the brethren, he commends them to two things. What are they? __________ Acts 20:___

Acts 21

The Apostle Paul and his company continued on their journey toward Jerusalem. His love for his brethren, his kinsmen, burned in his heart, and so great was his desire to be in Jerusalem that he ignored the voice of the Spirit through the disciples. At Tyre, the disciples showed their affection by helping them on their way and all joining in prayer. When they arrived in Cæsarea, they stayed with Philip the evangelist and his four daughters. A prophet named Agabus told the Apostle that the Jews would bind him and deliver him to the Gentiles. Paul was unmoved and his answer was that he was ready to die for the Lord Jesus. Finally, they arrived at Jerusalem and the brethren gladly received them. They told him that the Jews that believed numbered many thousands but they were all zealous of the law. This is sad, for the books of Romans and Galatians had been written before this, showing that they were not under law but under grace. Nonetheless, he submitted to their suggestion and was about to offer sacrifices when the Jews laid hands on him in the temple. As they sought to kill Paul, tidings came to the chief captain, who delivered him out of their hands. Why were they so angry with this man? He was determined to find out. However, Paul requested that he speak in his own defense. His request was granted and when a great silence was made, he spoke to the multitude in the Hebrew language.

1. What did the disciples at Tyre say to Paul through the Spirit? __________ Acts 21:___

2. In responding to those who besought Paul not to go up to Jerusalem, what did he say he was ready to do? __________ Acts 21:___

3. In Jerusalem there were now __________ of Jews that believed. Acts 21:___

4. What tidings came to the chief captain of the band? __________ Acts 21:___

5. Paul could speak Greek. But what language did he speak when there was silence? __________ Acts 21:___

Acts 22

What a picture we have here! The Apostle was bound with two chains, standing on stairs, surrounded by Roman soldiers, and all the multitude was below, silently listening to what he had to say. He related his credentials and his zeal for the law. He wanted letters from the high priest and elders so he could punish any believers he could find in Damascus. Don’t you think the Lord Jesus knew what this man was doing to those who loved Him? Indeed He did, and He was about to arrest his course of life! On his way to Damascus, a great light from heaven made him fall to the ground and a voice said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Saul replied, “What shall I do, Lord?” He had an obedient spirit. Are we willing to do whatever the Lord wants us to do? After a while, Saul returned to Jerusalem, but while he was praying, the Lord told him to get out of the city quickly because they would not receive his testimony. Instead, he was going to be sent far off to the Gentiles. The audience listened up to this point and then said, “Away with this fellow.” Now the chief captain was really confused — he still didn’t know why there was such an uproar against Paul. So he commanded his soldiers to scourge (torture) their prisoner and thus extract the truth from him. Then Paul told them that he was a Roman. Now it was the chief captain who was afraid, for it was unlawful to scourge an uncondemned Roman citizen.

1. As Paul was just about to arrive in Damascus, what shone around him from heaven? __________ Acts 22:___

2. When Paul said, “What shall I do, Lord?” what answer did he receive? __________ Acts 22:___

3. The Lord told Paul to get out of Jerusalem quickly. Why? __________ Acts 22:___

4. Then he was told that he would be sent far away to __________. Acts 22:___

5. Paul asked if it was lawful to __________ a Roman citizen who was __________. Acts 22:___

Acts 23

Now we find Paul addressing the Jewish council (called the Sanhedrim). Saying that he “lived in all good conscience before God until this day,” he stirred up the anger of the high priest, Ananias. Paul was not slow to reply, calling him a “whited wall.” Sometimes, when we reply too hastily, we say the wrong thing. Paul should not have spoken to the high priest the way he did, because he knew what the Bible said in Exodus 22:28.

Paul soon realized that the council was composed of both Sadducees and Pharisees and their beliefs were different. The Sadducees didn’t believe in a resurrection, an angel or a spirit. The Pharisees did. They started to oppose each other and might have pulled Paul in pieces had not the chief captain rescued him. How discouraging it must have been for the Apostle! The next night, the Lord stood by Paul and told him to “be of good cheer”; he was being sent to Rome. But the Jews didn’t want him to escape, so about 40 of them bound themselves together to kill him. However, his sister’s son heard of their plot and told the chief captain. He had two centurions prepare soldiers, horsemen and spearmen to conduct Paul safely to Cæsarea.

1. What did Paul remember from the law that showed it was wrong to revile the high priest? __________ Acts 23:___

2. Which sect did not believe in resurrection, angels and spirits? __________ Acts 23:___

3. Who stood by Paul to encourage and cheer him? __________ Acts 23:___

4. More than 40 Jews bound themselves under an oath to not eat or drink until they had __________ Paul. Acts 23:___

5. How many soldiers, horsemen and spearmen were going to accompany Paul to Cæsarea? __________ Acts 23:___

Acts 24

It did not take long for Ananias the high priest and the elders to come down to Cæsarea — only five days. They also engaged the services of an orator (one who can speak well) named Tertullus. He called Paul “a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition.” Any conspiracy against the Roman government was a capital offense. These charges were not true. In his defense, Paul replied that he went to Jerusalem to worship, not to profane the temple, and that he believed all things which were written in the law and in the prophets. Felix knew what Paul was talking about, for he had knowledge of the way. He told a centurion to guard Paul and give him liberty to entertain his relatives. Felix often heard what Paul said about “righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come” and trembled. Don’t you think that Paul also told him how to escape the judgment to come by receiving the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior?

1. What was the name of the orator that the Jews hired to say nice things about Felix in order to gain his favor? __________ Acts 24:___

2. This orator said things about Paul which were false, including that he was the __________ of the sect of the Nazarenes. Acts 24:___

3. How many of the things which are written in the law and the prophets did Paul believe? __________ Acts 24:___

4. The centurion was commanded to give Paul complete __________ for any of his acquaintances to visit him and to minister to him. Acts 24:___

5. As Paul reasoned of righteousness, temperance and coming judgment, what happened to Felix? __________ Acts 24:___

Acts 25

The new governor, Festus, had arrived at Cæsarea, and then he went up to Jerusalem, the capital of the province. The Jews had not forgotten Paul and they again brought accusation before the new governor. Although these Jews which came down from Jerusalem laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, they could not prove them.

It was at this point that Paul, who was a Roman citizen, appealed to Cæsar for judgment. Festus then conferred with the council, and it was decided to grant Paul’s request and send him to Cæsar. It was the custom among the Romans to give an accused man a fair trial and answer for himself. However, Festus didn’t have any specific charges against Paul and thought that the Jews only had certain questions against Paul as to their own superstition. King Agrippa was expert in Jewish customs and questions and wanted to hear what Paul had to say. Therefore, Festus was happy to have Agrippa and Bernice (his sister) hear the case before sending Paul as a prisoner to Rome. The Lord allowed all this so that those in high places would have the opportunity to hear the gospel. God works everything according to the counsel of His own will.

1. The Jews from Jerusalem charged Paul with many grievous complaints. Were they true? __________ Acts 25:___

2. After Festus conferred with the council, what decision did he come to? __________ Acts 25:___

3. It was the manner of the Romans to allow the accused to answer his accusers __________ concerning the crime laid against him. Acts 25:___

4. The questions the Jews had against Paul involved a certain man named __________ that they said was dead even though Paul affirmed Him to be alive. Acts 25:___

5. Festus wanted King Agrippa to examine Paul because it seemed unreasonable to him to send Paul as a prisoner to Rome and not to __________. Acts 25:___

Acts 26

Would you be happy if you were in Paul’s position? As he realized the great opportunity he had to speak about his Lord and Savior, it made him happy! He relates his life as a Pharisee and then mentions the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was now standing and being judged for the hope of their fathers. He once thought wrongly and persecuted many of the saints in Jerusalem, putting them in prison and consenting to their death. However, the Lord had His eye on this sinner and was going to change his life. One day, as he was going to Damascus to persecute Christians there, at midday he saw a light from heaven, shining round about him and he fell to the earth. A voice from heaven said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” What a shock it must have been to this religious man to realize that what he was doing was all wrong.

After Paul relates his God-given mission and the resurrection of Christ from the dead, Festus could not contain himself and told Paul that he was mad. Paul affirmed that he spoke words of truth and soberness and then turned to Agrippa, who said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” The reply, which the Apostle Paul gave, could be true only of a person who was fully dedicated to the Lord.

1. For what was Paul standing before King Agrippa and being judged? __________ Acts 26:___

2. What did Paul do to many of the saints in Jerusalem? __________ Acts 26:___

3. How bright was the light that Paul saw shining about him at midday? __________ Acts 26:___

4. When Festus said that Paul was mad, Paul replied that he was not mad, but rather he was speaking __________. Acts 26:___

5. When Paul was finished his message and asked Agrippa if he believed the prophets, how did Agrippa respond? __________ Acts 26:___

Acts 27

This chapter shows, among other things, how the Apostle Paul walked in close fellowship with the Lord. The Lord communicated His mind to His servant, and as a result, all 276 people on board the ship escaped safe to land. Had they followed Paul’s admonition from the first, they would have been spared much loss, but the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship more than Paul. To begin with, a south wind blew softly and they thought that sailing was safe. But not long after a strong northeast wind blew and the heavens became dark. These mariners were guided by the stars at night, but when neither sun nor stars appeared and the storm continued, all hope that they should be saved was taken away. Do you think anything is too hard for the Lord? No! At this very time an angel of God stood by Paul and told him, “Fear not.” What a comfort it must have been to his heart! He told them to be of good cheer and to eat for their health. Before he began to eat, in the presence of them all, he gave thanks to God. It was a testimony to all those men. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

When the ship broke apart, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners lest they should swim out and escape. However Julius, the centurion, was courteous to Paul and wanted to spare his life, so he kept the soldiers from their purpose. Because the Lord wanted His servant to be brought before Cæsar, all on board were safe. Today, the world is a safer place because Christians are still here.

1. When given advice from Paul about their voyage, who did the centurion believe more than Paul? __________ Acts 27:___

2. When the storm raged on and they hadn’t seen the sun or stars for many days, what was taken away from the sailors? __________ Acts 27:___

3. What two words did the angel of God say to Paul to comfort him? __________ Acts 27:___

4. Before Paul began to eat, what did he do in the presence of them all? __________ Acts 27:___

5. The centurion prevented the soldiers from killing the prisoners because he wanted to save whom? __________ Acts 27:___

Acts 28

Melita, which means “honey,” is the island of Malta. The wrecked company was received by the islanders with hospitality, and they made them comfortable in spite of the cold rain which fell. It was God who moved their hearts to show kindness for the sake of His servants. God will always repay what is done for Him or His servants, and so He used Paul to work miracles among the people. The chief man of the island was Publius, and his father was sick. But Paul prayed and laid his hands on him and healed him. When others were likewise healed, the favor was returned with many honors before they left on their journey. At Puteoli, other believers were found, for Christianity had spread rapidly. When the brethren from Rome heard that Paul was coming, they went to Appii Forum and The Three Taverns to meet him. What an encouragement this was! Finally they arrived at Rome where Paul was given separate living quarters. He invited the chief of the Jews to his lodging and expounded the kingdom of God out of the law of Moses and the prophets. Would they listen to the message? Isaiah had stated a long time ago that their heart, ears and eyes would be turned from the Lord. As a result, the gospel would go out to the Gentiles. Have you believed the gospel?

1. What did the people of Melita show to all that escaped the sea? __________ Acts 28:___

2. The father of Publius was sick. What did Paul do for him? __________ Acts 28:___

3. When the Apostle Paul met brethren at Appii Forum and The Three Taverns, how did it affect him? __________ Acts 28:___

4. When the Jews came to Paul’s lodging, what did he expound to them? __________ Acts 28:___

5. Concerning this people, what does it say about their heart, ears and eyes? __________ Acts 28:___

Romans 1

The Epistle to the Romans is rightly placed in our Bibles after the Acts, for its leading theme is the gospel of God, and that needs to be unfolded first. Paul was staying in the house of Gaius, a Corinthian, and used Tertius to do the writing (Romans 16:22-23). How this assembly of believers in Rome originated, we are not told, but they were nearly all Gentiles. The gospel, which is given in this epistle, was given to Paul by revelation. The first proof we are given that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that He was able to raise dead people. What infallible credentials He had! And is God any less powerful today? Is He not giving life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins? In the gospel we see the power of God going out to everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus.

Rather than improving through evolution, we see that man has degenerated. Originally, men knew God, but they chose to follow their own imaginations and foolish devices. Then they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into that which is corruptible. What grief this must have brought to the heart of God — to see those whom He loved turn away from Him. Therefore, we read in verses 24 and 28 that “God gave them up,” both as to their bodies and as to their spirits. When this happens, only corruption and every evil work follow. It is only when men fear the Lord that they depart from evil. The end of this chapter is a sad commentary on how low humanity can sink, even though men know that someday they must face the judgment of God.

1. How was Jesus Christ declared to be the Son of God with power? __________ Romans 1:___

2. What is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes? __________ Romans 1:___

3. Man changed the glory of the incorruptible God into what? __________ Romans 1:___

4. Because men did not like to retain God in their knowledge, what did God do? __________ Romans 1:___

5. Even though men know __________ that results in death for those who sin, they still not only continue living in sin but also encourage others to do the same. Romans 1:___

Romans 2

Even in the heathen world there were those who spoke against immorality and other vices. There were moralists, reformers and philosophers who condemned evil, but they also were sinners. God sees all mankind to be on the same level. All practiced evil because all had an evil heart. God did not immediately judge, but rather showed goodness, forbearance and long-suffering to man, if perhaps he would repent and turn from his evil way.

God does hold out a promise to those who seek Him in faith. If they continue to patiently seek for glory, honor and immortality, God will give them eternal life. This is the gift of God (Romans 6:23) to all those who receive His Son as their Lord and Savior. They are the only ones who can have glory, honor and peace at the end, because God has promised it.

There is coming a day when everything is going to be made manifest. Man has a conscience that tells him that he is doing wrong. Inwardly, he knows that someday he will stand before God. Their secrets will then be exposed and judged by Jesus Christ, to whom all judgment has been committed (John 5:22).

The Jewish people had the advantage over others in that they had the law of God and knew His will, whereas other nations were in darkness. But they didn’t keep God’s law — they broke it and dishonored God. Therefore, the only people whom God considers to be a Jew are those who inwardly have their hearts changed by being “born again” (John 3:7).

1. What does God desire to lead us to when He shows us His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering? __________ Romans 2:___

2. If a person seeks glory, honor and immortality by patiently continuing in doing good, what is the blessing they will enjoy? __________ Romans 2:___

3. Does God show greater respect to Jews over Gentiles or vice versa? __________ Romans 2:___

4. Who will God have judge the secrets of men’s hearts? __________ Romans 2:___

5. What gets blasphemed among the Gentiles when a Jew breaks the law? __________ Romans 2:___

Romans 3

The chief advantage that the Jew had over the Gentile was that he had the oracles of God. They possessed what the Gentiles did not have, the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God. What we call the Old Testament is, therefore, the Word of God, in which God spoke to His covenant people. In these oracles are found great promises for the Jew, which will be fulfilled in their national restoration.

Some had accused the Apostle and others of saying, “Let us do evil, that good may come.” This report was false. The enemy of our souls likes to say bad things about those who love the Lord Jesus.

In the sight of God, all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, had sinned. Like sheep, all had gone out of the way and none sought after God. What an awful description we have presented in this chapter as to the entire human race. There was only one perfect Man who ever lived. Do you know who He is?

The Jews, who were under law, broke it, and the Gentiles sinned without the law. It was given to prove to man that it was impossible to be justified before God by the deeds of the law. The grand conclusion of this chapter is to show that the only way sinful man can be justified is by faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. The greatest advantage that the Jews had was that to them were committed __________. Romans 3:___

2. What slanderous report was being circulated by some, claiming to repeat what Paul was teaching? __________ Romans 3:___

3. How many are gone out of the way and become unprofitable? __________ Romans 3:___

4. Who will be justified in God’s sight by the deeds of the law? __________ Romans 3:___

5. If not by the deeds of the law, how then can any person be justified? __________ Romans 3:___

Romans 4

Abraham and David are now brought before us to illustrate the truth of justification by faith. Both of these men were justified because they believed God. So today, ungodly people who cannot do good works are justified by God when they put their faith in the Lord Jesus. Those who do so are really happy, or blessed, because they know that their iniquities are forgiven and their sins are covered. We have the written Word of God to assure us of our eternal salvation. Do you ever thank God for a Bible in your language?

The promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:18) were made long before the law was given. God accounted him righteous because of his faith, not because of the law. What a wonderful God we have, who met us in all our need as lost, guilty sinners and provided a Savior who would wash the sins away of all who trust in Him. Only God could have devised such a plan of salvation. Only God could quicken (give life to) the dead and call those things which are not as though they were. If God can save our never-dying souls, can He not also provide everything else in life that we will have need of? Indeed He can! Let us learn to trust Him more fully, for what He has promised He is able also to perform.

1. What happens to a person who believes on Him that justifies the ungodly? __________ Romans 4:___

2. How does David describe a person whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered? __________ Romans 4:___

3. The promise that Abraham should be heir of the world was not made through the law, but through __________. Romans 4:___

4. What else does God do, besides calling things which be not as though they were? __________ Romans 4:___

5. Although Abraham was 100 years old, what was he fully persuaded about God? __________ Romans 4:___

Romans 5

In this chapter, the blessed results of justification are unfolded. What believers possess and enjoy are shown in the opening verses. It is a grand thing now to have peace with the God against whom we had sinned. When the Lord Jesus rose from the dead, He said to His disciples, “Peace be unto you.” After showing them His hands and His side, He again said, “Peace be unto you.” Not only has He given us peace as to the sin question, but He has also given to us the Holy Spirit as a Comforter (John 14:16) while we are in this world. Another thing that the Holy Spirit does for us is to shed abroad the love of God in our hearts. Now we love the very God whom we hated before. What a change takes place in the life of a believer! Do you think we earned God’s favor? Did not man reject and crucify His only Son? True, but such is God’s love, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Who would not be commended for such love as this?

We cannot blame others for all the misery in this world. Each one of us was born with a fallen, sinful nature. The only person who was holy is the Lord Jesus, so death had no claim upon Him, as it has upon us, who are sinners by nature and by practice. That is why death will claim every one of us, if the Lord does not return soon.

It was not the obedient life of Christ which makes us righteous, but His obedience in the death of the cross. In this sad world, where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. For this blessed fact, we will praise God forever!

1. How can we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ? __________ Romans 5:___

2. How is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts? __________ Romans 5:___

3. What was our condition when God commended His love toward us? __________ Romans 5:___

4. If sin entered into the world by one man, why has death passed upon all men? __________ Romans 5:___

5. Although sin abounds, what has much more abounded? __________ Romans 5:___

Romans 6

Inasmuch as we have died to sin in the death of Christ, deliverance from sin should be manifested in our lives. Do we think that now that we are Christians we can sin and do as we please? Not so. If we love the Lord, we will try to please the One who died for us and set us free. We should walk in newness of life. If we are identified with the death of Christ, we shall also be identified with Him in His resurrection. What a blessed hope and encouragement this is!

The promise of living with Christ will enable us to live in separation from that which dishonors God in this sinful world. If we look to Him for daily strength and grace, we will reckon ourselves to be dead to sin and alive to God. Our bodies have many members and each of them is under our control. We don’t have to go to evil places or say bad things. We are to guard our eyes, ears, lips, hands and feet. The members of our body are to be yielded to God as instruments of righteousness. What a noble purpose for life — to know that we can please the Lord in all that we say and do!

We all like to receive wages for our labor. But do you know that sin has a wage that is earned? It is death. But God also has a gift to offer to those who will receive it. Do you know what it is? It is offered through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. What is Paul’s emphatic answer to the horrible suggestion that we should continue in sin so that grace may abound? __________ Romans 6:___

2. If we are dead with Christ, what do we also believe will happen? __________ Romans 6:___

3. We are to reckon (or, count) ourselves dead to sin but alive unto what? __________ Romans 6:___

4. To what purpose are we to yield the members of our body to God? __________ Romans 6:___

5. What are the wages of sin and the gift of God? __________ Romans 6:___

Romans 7

What is to be the rule of life for a believer? Not the law given at Sinai, but the risen Lord Christ. When a believer is justified by faith, does he need the law to please God? These questions are answered in this chapter. It is evident that the law of our land only applies to those who are living. Once we die, we are beyond the reach of the law. An unconverted person can only please himself, not God whom he does not know. The Scriptures tell us while we were in the flesh (that is, without Christ), our members only brought forth fruit unto death, not fruit unto God. Because man is a sinner by nature and by practice and couldn’t keep God’s commandment, it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t holy, just and good. It was, but it showed that man wasn’t holy, just or good. The lesson we learn in this is that in our flesh dwells no good thing. The only way, therefore, that we can please God is to receive a new nature by receiving Jesus as Savior, and then it will be our delight to keep the law of God. We cannot work for our salvation (that can only be obtained by believing in the Lord Jesus), but after salvation, we can do “good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

1. How long does the law have dominion over a man? __________ Romans 7:___

2. When we were in the flesh, what were the results of the motions of sins that worked in our members? __________ Romans 7:___

3. Although grace is even better, what three words describe the law and the commandment? __________ Romans 7:___

4. In my flesh (the old nature) dwells __________. Romans 7:___

5. What part of a believer delights in the law of God? __________ Romans 7:___

Romans 8

This chapter is the mountaintop of the epistle. Here we see the believer in Christ Jesus as free from all condemnation, free from the law of sin and death, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As we walk day by day, led by the Spirit, we will fulfill the righteousness of the law without being under it. Our object will be to please the Lord, not to keep the law. But if a person does not know the Lord, he doesn’t have the Spirit of God indwelling him. As children of God, we are not promised an easy path through this world. We may be called upon to suffer as a Christian. The Apostle Paul suffered much for the Lord. His evaluation of present sufferings was that they were as nothing compared to the glory that is ahead. How this should encourage us as we go on through life! The Lord loves us, the Spirit makes intercession for us, and all things are working together for good for them that love God. Not only that, but the Lord Jesus Christ is on high making intercession on our behalf. Without all these resources, none of us would make it through this world for God’s glory. We are only “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).

1. What will be fulfilled in us when we walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh? __________ Romans 8:___

2. If a person does not have the Spirit, does he belong to Christ? __________ Romans 8:___

3. To what are the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared? __________ Romans 8:___

4. How does God make all things work out for them that love Him? __________ Romans 8:___

5. Who is at the right hand of God making intercession for us (in addition to the Holy Spirit; see verses 26-27)? __________ Romans 8:___

Romans 9

When Paul was in Jerusalem, the Jewish mob said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth.” They hated him, but he loved his brethren so much that he wished to be cut off from Christ for them, if it were possible. The Jews boasted saying, “We have Abraham to our father,” but Galatians 3:7 says that only those that are of faith are the children of Abraham. So today, those who are not born again are not children of God. None of us deserved God’s salvation, but He has mercy and compassion, and some have been saved. God raised up others to demonstrate His power and to glorify His holy name in the earth. People who persist in their sins, unbelief and rebellion against God make themselves vessels fitted to destruction. However, in His sovereign grace, God shows mercy to vessels which He prepares for glory. We all deserved to be cut off, but God was determined to save some. As a nation, Israel found the Lord Jesus to be a rock of offense and a stumbling-stone, but if you believe on Him, you will never be ashamed, because your eternal destiny with Christ is secure.

1. Paul loved his brethren, the Jewish nation, so much that what did he wish for himself? __________ Romans 9:___

2. The children of the flesh are not the children of God. Who are counted for the seed? __________ Romans 9:___

3. God raised up Pharaoh to show His __________ and that His name would be __________ throughout the earth. Romans 9:___

4. What are God’s purposes for the vessels of mercy? __________ Romans 9:___

5. Christ is called both a stumbling-stone and a rock of offense. What is said of those who believe on Him? __________ Romans 9:___

Romans 10

Today, Israel is set aside as a nation and God is dealing with them in discipline. However, individuals are being saved. Is this our desire and prayer for them? God’s desire is that all men would be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Many people have a zeal for God, even those who follow false religions, but such zeal is of no value unless it is according to the knowledge of God’s Word. To seek to be righteous before God by keeping the law will always end in failure. But if anyone looks to Christ for salvation, his faith is counted for righteousness. The Bible clearly states that if you will confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you are saved. How simple the gospel is, and free too, because Jesus paid the price for our redemption on the cross. Now we can go out and tell others the good news of salvation. Is not the Lord happy when we do this? Does He not say, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace”? Moses’ law was not glad tidings! Therefore, when someone brings us the gospel, we ought to hear and believe the Word of God.

1. The desire and prayer of Paul for Israel was __________. Romans 10:___

2. For those that believe on Christ, He is the end of all efforts to use the law to obtain what? __________ Romans 10:___

3. If you __________ with your mouth the Lord Jesus and __________ in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you are __________. Romans 10:___

4. In this chapter, who are they that have beautiful feet? __________ Romans 10:___

5. Faith comes from __________, and that comes by the Word of God. Romans 10:___

Romans 11

Has God nothing more in store for the nation of Israel? Far be the thought. The gifts and calling of God are not forgotten. He is a faithful and covenant-keeping God. He knew that their history would be one of failure and departure. Was not the Apostle Paul an Israelite who obtained mercy? In the Old Testament, Elias (Elijah) thought he was the only one left, but he forgot that God could preserve others too. It was written hundreds of years earlier (Isaiah 29:10) that He had given Israel the spirit of slumber, which is true of that nation to this day. Their unbelief is the means of blessing now going out to other nations. They were broken off and others were brought in by faith in Christ. But the Lord will yet bring the Jewish nation into blessing in a coming day, for He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob and all Israel will be saved. The failure of Israel and all mankind did not take God by surprise. He knew all about it beforehand and provided a remedy. Such wisdom and knowledge is unsearchable and beyond our understanding!

1. When Elijah complained to God about the failures of Israel, how many did God tell him He had reserved for Himself who had not bowed the knee to Baal? __________ Romans 11:___

2. What kind of spirit has God given to Israel at this present time? __________ Romans 11:___

3. Israel, like a branch, was broken off because of __________, and the Gentiles need to fear and not be high-minded, because they too only stand by __________. Romans 11:___

4. In the future, Israel will be saved by __________ out of Sion who will turn away __________ from Jacob. Romans 11:___

5. Name two things that are unsearchable and past finding out. __________ Romans 11:___

Romans 12

Isaac Watts wrote a hymn that says, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my heart, my life, my all.” Now that God has made known the riches of His grace in the gospel, we are shown how to walk in a world of sin and tribulation. The Lord Jesus has shed His blood to redeem us; now what response can we give in return for such love? We can offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God by seeking to serve Him in all we do. To know what is acceptable to God, we need to know His will as revealed in the Bible. Do we read the Scriptures daily? As we do, our minds will be renewed and the will of God found out, and we will not be conformed to this world. It is true that we cannot go out of this world, but if we would please our Lord, we would abhor that which is evil and cleave to that which is good. As to our fellow-man, we are to be kind, not curse our persecutors, not seek vengeance, be honest, and try to live peaceably with all men. Remember how the Lord behaved towards those who hated Him. In doing as the Lord did in feeding the hungry and giving water to the thirsty, we would melt the heart of our enemy or “heap coals of fire on his head.”

1. What is a living sacrifice that is acceptable to God today? __________ Romans 12:___

2. Name three words that describe the will of God. __________ Romans 12:___

3. How should we deal with that which is evil and that which is good? __________ Romans 12:___

4. If possible, how are we to live with all men? __________ Romans 12:___

5. What does the Bible say we should do for our enemy? __________ Romans 12:___

Romans 13

A Christian is a citizen of another world, passing as a stranger and a pilgrim through a strange land. However, we are not to be found in opposition to human government, even though it may be run by very unrighteous men. As we look into this chapter 13, the man who sat upon the throne when the Apostle gave these instructions was a wicked man who persecuted the early Christians. Yet we are told to be subject to the higher powers. Even poor government is better than no government. Imagine what this world would be like if there were no restraint at all. (Look at Genesis 6:5.) People are afraid to do evil if they know they will be punished when found out. Therefore we should pay our taxes and render honor and custom to those whom God has placed in authority over us. The only debt that we should owe to others is that of love. Did not Christ love us while we were yet sinners? If we love others, we certainly will do them no harm, but will seek out their welfare. We live in the last days of this world’s history and God says, “The night is far spent.” When morning draws near, we awake out of our sleep to begin another day’s labor. As Christians, we are nearer to the salvation of our bodies than when we first believed. Our behavior should be upright and honest, reflecting Christ, making no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.

1. Why should we be subject to the higher powers? __________ Romans 13:___

2. What do those in authority have permission from God to execute on those who do evil? __________ Romans 13:___

3. What is the only debt that we should owe? __________ Romans 13:___

4. Why is it high time to awake out of sleep? __________ Romans 13:___

5. Rather than fulfilling the lusts of our flesh, what should we do? __________ Romans 13:___

Romans 14

This chapter explains our responsibility to those who are weaker in the faith. We are to walk in love with those who do not have as much light. Their consciences are troubled about various things and we ought not to offend them. It is easy to fall into the spirit of legality, but life, not light, is the basis upon which we receive one another. After all, we have one Master who will judge His own servants. He knows the thoughts and intents of each heart. We can judge actions but should not judge motives. Isn’t it a comfort to know that whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s? Nothing can “separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” All judgment has been committed to the Son and we must all stand before His judgment seat. Believers will have their labors evaluated for reward, unbelievers will be judged for their sins, and every knee shall bow and every tongue confess to God. May we seek to lay up treasure in heaven, and at the same time warn the ungodly to flee from the judgment to come. In the Old Testament times, there were certain things that were not to be eaten, but today the kingdom of God has more to do with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I am to consider my weaker brother and in no way do anything whereby he is stumbled, is offended or is made weak.

1. Why should we not judge another man’s servant? __________ Romans 14:___

2. We always belong to __________, whether we live or die. Romans 14:___

3. It is written that every knee shall __________ to the Lord and every tongue shall __________ to God. Romans 14:___

4. If the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, what is it? __________ Romans 14:___

5. We should always follow things which make for __________ and things that __________ one another. Romans 14:___

Romans 15

This chapter gives us an additional motive as to why we should not please ourselves. It is to please Christ, who did not please Himself, but patiently bore all the reproaches of men. We should be likeminded toward one another. The Old Testament scriptures contain many illustrations of what happened in those days so that we could learn patience and be comforted who have hope in the same God. We should also remember that Christ received us with all our imperfections. We certainly weren’t perfect when we came to Him for salvation. In like manner, we are to receive one another, as Christ also received us for God’s glory. The Roman believers were mostly Gentiles. The Apostle shows that there were many Old Testament scriptures that told of blessing going out to Gentiles (verses 9-12). He is called “the God of hope” because He is able to bring to pass everything that He has promised. He can also fill us with all joy and peace when we believe. If we really love the brethren, we will care for their needs. Here we read that the Gentiles of Macedonia and Achaia helped their poor Jewish brethren in Jerusalem. That’s because the love of God was shed abroad in their hearts. Lastly, Paul wanted the dear Roman believers to pray for him. He requested this because he knew that they had the love of the Spirit in their hearts.

1. The Old Testament scriptures were written for our learning. Name three things that we learn from reading them. __________ Romans 15:___

2. How are we to receive one another? __________ Romans 15:___

3. What can the God of hope fill us with? __________ Romans 15:___

4. For whom did those of Macedonia and Achaia make a contribution? __________ Romans 15:___

5. For the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love of the Spirit, what did Paul request of the Romans? __________ Romans 15:___

Romans 16

Salutations to various saints close the epistle. We are introduced into the family circle. As the kings of Israel had chronicles written of them, so God writes chronicles of His heavenly people. Every one of our characters and deeds are written in heaven. Priscilla and Aquila not only helped the Apostle Paul but were willing to lay down their own lives for him. It also appears that the assembly met in their home. Phebe was a sister who had been a succorer of many, and Mary labored much for the saints. Then there were two of Paul’s relatives, Andronicus and Junia, who were saved before he was. Don’t you think that they prayed for their brother’s salvation? Even in the early church there were difficulties and those who introduced wrong doctrine. How were they to behave toward these who walked in such a contrary way? They were to be avoided by the brethren. The Roman believers had a reputation for being subject to the Word of God. This made the Apostle happy. However, adding to their obedience, he would also have them to be wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil. What a wonderful book the Bible is! And we could not have been born at a better time. God has now made manifest what before had been kept secret. May we read this blessed book every day of our lives.

1. What had Priscilla and Aquila, Paul’s helpers in Christ Jesus, done for him? __________ Romans 16:___

2. Name two people who were Paul’s kinsmen, his fellow-prisoners, and who were in Christ before Paul. __________ Romans 16:___

3. What are we to do with those that cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which we have learned? __________ Romans 16:___

4. Paul desired his brethren in Rome to be __________ about what is good and __________ concerning evil. Romans 16:___

5. For what purpose was the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, now made manifest to all nations? __________ Romans 16:___

1 Corinthians 1

The account of the gospel reaching Corinth is recorded in Acts 18. The Apostle labored there a year and a half. Now he gives instruction for order and discipline among these Christians. They had been idolaters and, having such a bad background, had much to learn. What a change had taken place in the lives of these believers! But there was a danger that these believers at Corinth would behave as they did before, so Paul instructs them as to proper behavior that was pleasing to the Lord. Although we often fail, what a comfort it is to know that He still loves us, will never leave us, and will confirm us blameless until the very end. Because of the low moral standards that existed in Corinth, Paul wanted to speak only the words that God had for them. His purpose was to preach the gospel, not to see how many he could baptize. And what joy it brought to his heart as many of them believed the good news of salvation and turned to the Lord. Believing Jews and Greeks found that the power of God and the wisdom of God were all in Christ. What they had before did not bring them any closer to God, but had led them astray. But now they learned that God had chosen things that the world considers weak and foolish to set aside what man thinks. We want God’s thoughts, not ours. Then we can give all the glory to Him!

1. Paul wrote this letter to those in the church of God in Corinth and to whom else? __________ 1 Corinthians 1:___

2. God will confirm the saints to the end so that they are __________ in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:___

3. Christ did not send Paul to baptize. What was he sent to do? __________ 1 Corinthians 1:___

4. To them which are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), what is Christ to them? __________ 1 Corinthians 1:___

5. What four things has God made Christ Jesus to us who believe? __________ 1 Corinthians 1:___

1 Corinthians 2

When Paul came to Corinth, he did not bring a system of philosophy to tickle their ears. He brought the highest wisdom ever known, revealed to him by revelation from God. Paul was going to determine that the gospel, and not philosophy, be preached. Had he given an excellent speech, leaving Christ and His finished work unmentioned, do you think they would be saved? No, they needed to hear about the Lord Jesus and what He did for them on the cross to put their sins away. Otherwise, their faith would only stand in the wisdom of men and in how well Paul spoke. As we read the account of our Lord’s trial and crucifixion, aren’t we saddened by the blindness of the people, especially the rulers and princes of the people? Didn’t they realize that Jesus was the Son of God, as proved by all that He did and said? However, there were a few that believed, and for them, God has great reward. We must wait for this, but God has told us all about future reward and blessing, revealed to us in the Bible by the Spirit. People who are unconverted (natural man) can read the Bible and not really enjoy the great promises of God because they have no faith to receive the things of God. We must have the indwelling Spirit of God to make them good to us and to make us happy.

1. What did the Apostle Paul determine to know while among the Corinthians? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___

2. Paul did not want their faith to stand or be based on the wisdom of man, but on what? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___

3. Who crucified the Lord of glory? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___

4. The things that God has prepared for them that love Him are revealed to us by whom? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___

5. Why is it that the natural man cannot know the things of the Spirit of God? __________ 1 Corinthians 2:___

1 Corinthians 3

In this chapter, the condition of the Corinthian believers is uncovered. They were not waiting on the Spirit of God, and, as a result, their spiritual growth was hindered. The envying and strife among them were proof that they were walking as carnal men. They were making much of men because their eyes were off Christ. The Apostle Paul describes himself only as a planter and Apollos as a waterer, giving God all the credit for the increase. Isn’t it good to be laborers together with God? We can all help in that which God is building. He will reward each according to the quality of his work. The foundation of the building is Jesus Christ. The material put on it must withstand the fire or it will be burned and the builder will not get a reward for his labors. It is the fire that will make manifest every man’s work. We may lose reward, but not our salvation. It is an encouragement to know that we are on the winning side. At the end of this chapter, some of the things that are ours are listed. Even death is ours, in that it now opens the portals of paradise to us.

1. What existed among the Corinthian Christians that proved that they were carnal and walking as worldly men? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___

2. If the planter and the waterer are nothing, who is the one who gives the increase? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___

3. What is the only foundation that can be laid for God’s house? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___

4. What will test (or, try) every man’s work to tell what sort it is? __________ 1 Corinthians 3:___

5. All things are ours, and we are __________, and Christ is __________. 1 Corinthians 3:___

1 Corinthians 4

Paul speaks of himself and fellow-workmen as servants of Christ and as stewards of the mysteries of God. They were serving the household of faith by giving meat in due season. The “mysteries” are those hidden things of God that had not been revealed before. As a steward of Christ, it was required of him to minister these things faithfully. The Apostle sought to have a good conscience in all that he did, but sometimes we may think we are doing good when we are not. Was Paul doing good in persecuting believers (Acts 26:10)? The Lord knows the hearts of all men and will soon manifest everything in the light of His presence. The Corinthians were not following the apostles’ example. They were a spectacle to the world, angels and men, considered to be fools, weak and despised. But the Corinthians were rich, reigning as kings, wise, strong and honorable. What a contrast between these believers and the apostles! The list goes on, showing that hunger, thirst, nakedness, homelessness and persecution beset the apostles on every hand. What an example has been left us as to what to expect from a world which hates Christ and His followers. But none of these things changed the heart of Paul towards the Corinthians — he still loved them and did not want to visit with a rod of reproof.

1. What is required of a steward? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___

2. Who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsel of every heart? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___

3. In order to give the Corinthians the place of being wise, strong and honorable, what were Paul and those with him willing to be considered in contrast? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___

4. How did Paul and those with him react when reviled and persecuted? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___

5. Instead of with a rod, how did Paul want to come to Corinth? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___

1 Corinthians 5

In the Corinthian assembly, there was both moral and spiritual declension. The city of Corinth did not have high moral standards and it affected the believers in that city. We can easily be influenced by our surroundings if we are not careful. What was reported to the Apostle was not a matter of mere gossip — it was widely known. Instead of mourning over their sin, they were puffed up and did not deal with the evildoer. The Apostle writes to tell them what to do in this situation. They were to act in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ when they came together as an assembly and remove the offender from their midst. An example is given to them. When a baker puts a little leaven into a lump of dough, what happens? The entire loaf is leavened and rises. So a little evil allowed in the assembly will affect the entire company. Christians gathered unto the holy name of the Lord Jesus are commanded by the Lord to put out any within the assembly who, by doing evil, have dishonored His name. They are not responsible to judge the wicked in the world who are without the fellowship — God will do that in a coming day. We must each be ready to judge ourselves when we sin, for “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged ... not be condemned with the world.”

1. Instead of being puffed up, what should the Corinthians have rather done? __________ 1 Corinthians 5:___

2. Whose name gave them the power to judge this sad situation? __________ 1 Corinthians 5:___

3. How much leaven does it take to leaven a whole lump of bread? __________ 1 Corinthians 5:___

4. If we had to avoid all the wicked people in this world, what would we need to do? __________ 1 Corinthians 5:___

5. Who is going to judge the wicked people of the world who are outside of the fellowship of the assembly? __________ 1 Corinthians 5:___

1 Corinthians 6

Instead of going before heathen courts, believers should settle their disputes among themselves. After all, in a coming day, these very believers were going to judge the world. Did they not think that they were capable of judging temporal matters? Not only were they going to judge the world, but angels as well. In the New Testament we read of angels coming into judgment. (See 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6.) These are fallen angels who will stand before the Lord Jesus at the throne of judgment and we will be associated with Him. Therefore, instead of going to law, these believers should have been willing to suffer wrong and allow themselves to be defrauded. They were different from what they were before. What made the difference? They were now washed and sanctified by the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God. For what purpose has God given to us our bodies, so fearfully and wonderfully made? To enjoy all types of good food? To indulge in immorality? No, but to serve the Lord while living. Also, if we keep in mind the fact that the body of the believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit, it will keep us from much that will dishonor the One who bought us at such a great price, even His own life’s blood.

1. Who else, besides the world, will the saints judge? __________ 1 Corinthians 6:___

2. Instead of going to law (court) before unbelievers, what should brethren do? __________ 1 Corinthians 6:___

3. How are all believers washed, sanctified and justified? __________ 1 Corinthians 6:___

4. Our body is not to be used for fornication, but for __________. 1 Corinthians 6:___

5. Which Person of the Trinity indwells the body of the believer? __________ 1 Corinthians 6:___

1 Corinthians 7

It is evident that the Corinthians had written a letter to the Apostle Paul asking him certain questions. One of these questions was the relationship between a man and a woman. Christian doctrine was quite different from what was practiced in heathen Corinth where fornication was allowed. The Apostle teaches them that every man should have his own wife and every woman should have her own husband. The practice of polygamy was not the mind of God. If a Christian man has an unbelieving wife, he is not to put her away, but rather pray for her salvation. He can also be an example of Christ in his life and perhaps his unsaved partner will become a Christian. If a person became a Christian while he was a slave, should he continue in that position? Yes, unless he is set free from such bondage. Christ has broken his chains of sin and he is now free to serve Christ in whatever position he is. We have been bought with a price by the Lord Jesus and are to be His servants. The marriage bond is for life. But what happens if one of the partners dies? Can the remaining partner then marry anyone they desire? If it is the Lord’s will for the surviving partner to marry, it is to be only in the Lord, that is, a believer who wants to please Him.

1. To avoid fornication, what gracious provision has God made for a man? __________ And for a woman? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___

2. If a brother in Christ has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, what is he not to do? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___

3. What should be the desire of a believing husband or wife for their unbelieving partner? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___

4. Why are we not to be the servants of men? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___

5. If your partner is dead, you are at liberty to remarry, with what requirement? __________ 1 Corinthians 7:___

1 Corinthians 8

In this chapter a question is raised as to how far a Christian was at liberty to eat meats which had been dedicated to idols. Practically all the meat that was sold in the markets of Corinth had been so dedicated. These early Christians may have feared that eating this dedicated meat would dishonor the Lord and appear to support idol worship. They had knowledge, but mere knowledge without love can puff up. Love needs to be mixed with knowledge because it edifies, and love had to be shown in the matter of eating things sacrificed to idols. The believers knew that there was only one God, but the heathen thought there were many gods and lords. Therefore, should the person who has knowledge disregard a weak brother and defile their weak conscience by eating? Because I have liberty to do something, it doesn’t mean that I should not consider how others feel about it. I might become a stumbling-block to a weak person. Would that be acting in love? The Apostle Paul would not offend a weak brother as long as the world existed. That is really consideration of others!

1. Knowledge can puff us up. What else is needed so that we can help or edify others? __________ 1 Corinthians 8:___

2. There is only one God, but how many gods and lords are there in the world? __________ 1 Corinthians 8:___

3. How did some defile their weak conscience? __________ 1 Corinthians 8:___

4. If I don’t use my liberty wisely, what might I become to a weak person? __________ 1 Corinthians 8:___

5. If I sin against a brother or a sister and wound their weak conscience, who am I really sinning against? __________ 1 Corinthians 8:___

1 Corinthians 9

It seems as if some at Corinth were questioning Paul’s apostleship. Probably those who were saying this were false teachers. It was through the Apostle Paul that they were led to the Lord Jesus. As an apostle, he had certain rights and privileges, but he did not make use of them. Under Old Testament law, the oxen that treaded out the corn were not to be muzzled. They were to eat while working. A hired soldier was paid for his services, and a farmer would eat of the vineyard that he planted. Now, the Apostle had sown to the spiritual needs of the Corinthians and he was entitled to reap their carnal (material) things. However, he did not use this right lest he should hinder the gospel of Christ. What a gracious spirit he had! May we be imitators of this dear servant of God. In fact, he was willing to make himself a servant to all so that he could gain the most possible for Christ.

Often, what a person does has more influence upon us than what he says. The Apostle Paul was very aware of this and was careful to keep his body in subjection at all times, lest when he had preached to others, the message would be rejected because of bad behavior. Preaching alone will not do — the truth must be lived.

1. Paul was doubtless an apostle to the Corinthians, because they were the __________ of his apostleship. 1 Corinthians 9:___

2. If a person plants a vineyard, he is entitled to eat __________; if he feeds a flock, he should be able to drink __________. 1 Corinthians 9:___

3. The apostles had sown spiritual things to the Corinthians. What at the least should they reap? __________ 1 Corinthians 9:___

4. Why did the Apostle Paul say he made himself a servant to all men? __________ 1 Corinthians 9:___

5. My body must be kept under control (subjection) at all times; otherwise, when preaching to others, what might happen? __________ 1 Corinthians 9:___

1 Corinthians 10

What happened to Israel in the Old Testament has a typical meaning for us and it is recorded for our admonition. This chapter shows how those who enjoy divine privileges but who do not live holy lives do not please God. Many profess Christianity but give little evidence of reality. God is kind to all, but do you think He is pleased with the wicked behavior of many? He is very patient with man, but sooner or later, He will send judgment. Let us learn from the examples of others, both bad and good.

As a loving Father, God will pass His children through training that will sometimes be difficult. But He knows how much we can endure and will not allow us to be tried above our ability, “for He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

There is such a thing as Christian liberty. We can shine for the Lord in this dark world. Suppose some of your lost friends invite you to their house for a meal, can you not tell them about the Lord? It may be a good opportunity for you to share your faith in Christ with your friends. Today, people place great emphasis on their “roots,” but we all came from parents who had a sinful nature. God sees all humanity as either a Jew, a Gentile, or, once we receive Christ as Savior, part of the church of God. Let’s be careful to give no offense to any of these groups of people.

1. The children of Israel all shared the same privileges, but God was not well-pleased with whom? __________ 1 Corinthians 10:___

2. What lesson are we to learn from these bad examples recorded in the Bible? __________ 1 Corinthians 10:___

3. God is faithful, so when we are tempted, what does He make to go with it, and what is its purpose? __________ 1 Corinthians 10:___

4. If those that believe not bid (invite) you to a feast, what should you eat with a clear conscience? __________ 1 Corinthians 10:___

5. Name the three groups to which we are to give no offense. __________ 1 Corinthians 10:___

1 Corinthians 11

Time is a great tester and the assembly at Corinth had drifted. Much had to be corrected, but first the Apostle praises that which he could. The brethren had kept the ordinances or traditions as he verbally delivered them. In writing to them, we now have the ordinances written down as Scripture. The proper order of man and woman is brought before us, both being created by God. It is clear that the custom among the early believers was to act in the same manner, all behaving in a way that would please the Lord as the Apostle taught them.

But the enemy was active. He did not like to see these believers going on so happily, so he stirred up trouble. Some of them had more than others and did not share what they had. When they came together, some were hungry and others were drunken. It was shameful for them to behave like this, forgetting that they were in the Lord’s presence. Paul reminds them of the solemnity of coming together to remember the Lord Jesus. What occurred in the upper room the night of Jesus’ betrayal was given to Paul by inspiration. The Lord took the bread, gave thanks, and then broke it. That bread represented His body, given for them. The cup of wine was a picture of His blood shed for them. What a blessed reminder of His death for us “till He come”! Before we partake of this memorial, we should examine our lives, and if we are going on with anything dishonoring to the Lord, confess it. If we don’t, we will be judged by the Lord, because as His children we are loved too much to be allowed to go our own way without discipline.

1. In what things could the Apostle praise the brethren in Corinth, besides their remembering him? __________ 1 Corinthians 11:___

2. Was it the practice for the churches to be contentious? __________ 1 Corinthians 11:___

3. When they came together, it was not for the better because what existed among them? __________ 1 Corinthians 11:___

4. After the Lord Jesus had given thanks for the bread, what did He say that it represented? __________ 1 Corinthians 11:___

5. Why are we judged and chastened of the Lord? __________ 1 Corinthians 11:___

1 Corinthians 12

What a marvelous change had taken place in the lives of these believers who were formerly idol worshippers. Now they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Now they could speak about the Lord Jesus Christ properly, whereas before they would curse Him. Such a great victory has been won at the cross that the Victor shares with His followers the spoils. These gifts are given to us by the Spirit for the profit of all. They were not given for self-exaltation. As each member of our body functions for the good of all the other members, so has one Spirit done for all believers in Christ. Do not think that there is no service for you to perform. Every member in your body has a purpose, and so have you in the body of Christ. Some members of the body may be more prominent than others, but each performs its function for the benefit of the whole. Suppose you hurt a finger, doesn’t the rest of the body feel it? Surely! Or if you burned your tongue, would the pain felt by that one member be known to all the other members of your body? Not only suffering but honor is felt by the entire individual. So we are to “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15).

1. What is the only way a man can speak properly about the Person of the Lord Jesus? __________ 1 Corinthians 12:___

2. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for what purpose? __________ 1 Corinthians 12:___

3. By one Spirit we are all — Jews and Gentiles, bond and free — baptized into __________. 1 Corinthians 12:___

4. If the whole body were an eye, name two senses that we would not have. __________ 1 Corinthians 12:___

5. If one member of the body suffers, all the members __________; if one member is honored, all the members __________. 1 Corinthians 12:___

1 Corinthians 13

This chapter gives us the exaltation of love, as the word “charity” should be translated. Love was to be the true motive for all ministry. Because of worldliness, the Corinthians had forgotten this and were using their gifts for self-seeking. If love had been their motive, there would not have been toleration of evil, going before heathen judges or a degrading of the Lord’s supper. Love was a better thing than any gift. It was more important than being able to speak in the tongue of an angel. And if you were rich and able to donate much money to feed poor people and yet had no love for them, it would profit you nothing. If you have the new nature by being born again, the divine love that is spoken of in this chapter will never rejoice in that which is evil, but rather in that which is good and true. We are to study the Word of God and grow in our understanding of it. However, we will not come to the point where there is nothing more to learn. At best, we only know in part, for we learn little by little, here and there. When you were a child in grade school, you realized that older students knew far more than you did. In the school of God, we all have much to learn throughout our lives. There is a time coming when the Lord will take all His own to heaven and we shall understand much that we do not know now. We will no longer need to exercise faith or hope because they will be fulfilled. But love for the Lord Jesus will continue for all eternity.

1. What was more important than being able to speak as an angel? __________ 1 Corinthians 13:___

2. If you gave all your goods to feed poor people but didn’t love them, what would it profit you? __________ 1 Corinthians 13:___

3. Charity (or love) does not rejoice in iniquity. What does it rejoice in? __________ 1 Corinthians 13:___

4. When you were a child, you talked and acted as a child. What should you do when grown? __________ 1 Corinthians 13:___

5. Between faith, hope and charity (love), which is the greatest? __________ 1 Corinthians 13:___

1 Corinthians 14

Miraculous gifts served the purpose of authenticating the divine message, for these signs followed the preaching of the truth. Now that we have God’s completed revelation, we do not need signs because the Word of God authenticates itself. The prior chapter showed us that apart from love, the gifts are useless. This chapter says that our desire should be to be a blessing to our brethren and also to give the gospel to a lost world. It is evident that the Corinthians thought highly of anyone who spoke in a tongue, even if no one was edified by what was said. The Apostle Paul uses the illustration of a musical instrument. The player must use a tune that is recognized, otherwise the people will be uncertain as to the message conveyed. When you pray, do others understand what you are saying? If not, how can they say “amen” to your prayer? Keep in mind that when praying or singing, you should do so with the spirit and with the understanding so that others can be edified. And it is not so much the quantity of words that we use but the quality. It is better to use five words that are understood than 10,000 words that are not. All these instructions will be acknowledged by any spiritual person to be nothing less than the commandments of the Lord.

1. He who prophesies speaks for what three purposes? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___

2. What will happen if a warning trumpet gives an uncertain sound? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___

3. Whether we speak or sing, we should do so with __________ and with __________. 1 Corinthians 14:___

4. What is better than 10,000 words that are not understood? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___

5. If a person is spiritual, what will they acknowledge that the writings of the Apostle Paul are? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___

1 Corinthians 15

This is one of the great chapters of the Bible, for without the resurrection of Christ, what hope would we have? The denial of this fundamental doctrine of the faith brought forth this blessed portion concerning not only the resurrection but the coming again of the Lord Jesus. When Paul was in Corinth, he preached that Christ died for their sins, that He was buried, and that after three days He rose again. What good news this was and how it must have caused the Corinthians to rejoice. It certainly caused Paul much joy, and he wanted to share the gospel message everywhere he went. He had such a sense of the Lord’s goodness and grace that he labored more abundantly than all the apostles. The enemy of our souls does not like the truth to get out, so he started to pervert it and some were denying the resurrection. To do so was serious error, because if Christ was not raised, then they were yet in their sins. Our present body may be deformed in some way or cause older ones much pain, but when the Lord comes for all believers, we will be given a spiritual body, that is, we will have a body like the Lord’s resurrection body. And it won’t take long either. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, the change will take place!

1. After Christ died and was buried, what happened? __________ 1 Corinthians 15:___

2. Paul labored more abundantly than all by __________. 1 Corinthians 15:___

3. If Christ be not raised from the dead, what is the result? __________ 1 Corinthians 15:___

4. Our body may be sown (put in the grave) in dishonor and weakness, but how will it be raised? __________ 1 Corinthians 15:___

5. What will happen in just a moment of time? __________ 1 Corinthians 15:___

1 Corinthians 16

There were other matters that the Corinthians wrote to the Apostle (1 Corinthians 7:1) which are taken up. The Lord had said that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” and inasmuch as they came together on the first day of the week to remember the Lord in His death (1 Corinthians 11:25), that was when they should take up a collection. And it wasn’t necessarily one tenth, as in the Old Testament, but now “as God hath prospered him,” which could be more. Paul was a tireless worker for the Lord, taking the gospel everywhere he went as well as giving Christian instruction. Satan did not like this and tried to raise opposition everywhere. Whenever the Lord opened a great door of opportunity, immediately there were many adversaries. The Apostle was not the only one who went around doing the work of the Lord. There were others who were raised up who had the desire the Apostle Paul had for the welfare of God’s people. There was Timotheus (Timothy), Apollos, and the entire house of Stephanas, who had addicted themselves to the service of the saints. There is something we can each do for the Lord, and we can make it a matter of prayer as to what it may be. There was even a couple that had the church in their house. Do you know who they were?

1. On the first day of the week, how should a person decide what to put in the collection? __________ 1 Corinthians 16:___

2. Besides having a great, effectual door opened to Paul at Ephesus, what else was there? __________ 1 Corinthians 16:___

3. What good commendation did Paul give about Timotheus (Timothy)? __________ 1 Corinthians 16:___

4. Who addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints? __________ 1 Corinthians 16:___

5. Who had a church in their house? __________ 1 Corinthians 16:___

2 Corinthians 1

The Apostle Paul was troubled in his mind as to how those in Corinth would receive his first letter, even though it was written by inspiration. He sent Titus to find out what effect his letter had on the Corinthians. The report that Titus brought to Paul was encouraging, but there were still some matters that needed to be taken care of. After the opening words of salutation, the Apostle Paul thanks the God of all comfort. What an encouragement it is to know such a God when there is so much in this world to discourage us! Did you know that Christians are also called saints in the Bible? This second epistle is of profit to all believers, then and now. These early believers were suffering much for Christ and are reminded that the consolation of Christ would abound in them as it did with the Apostle. While in Asia, the persecution was so great that Paul thought he was going to lose his life, but he wasn’t afraid because he was trusting in God who can raise the dead. Therefore, he was bold to preach, along with Silvanus (Silas) and Timotheus (Timothy), that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Apostle wanted to go to Corinth again, but he desired that certain practices be corrected before he came. Then he could visit them happily and share their joy.

1. The Apostle Paul wrote this second epistle not only to the church at Corinth, but also to whom? __________ 2 Corinthians 1:___

2. If suffering for Christ abounds in us, what else also abounds by Christ? __________ 2 Corinthians 1:___

3. Even if Paul was put to death, in whom was he trusting? __________ 2 Corinthians 1:___

4. Who were the three men who preached that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? __________ 2 Corinthians 1:___

5. The Apostle Paul did not make a return visit to Corinth as yet, not to control their faith, but to be a helper of their __________. 2 Corinthians 1:___

2 Corinthians 2

Paul prayed and waited with much patience for his first epistle to take effect on the Corinthians. He had love for them that was not easily provoked; he hoped all things and endured all things. Although he wrote with many tears, he really loved these dear Christians, for he was their spiritual father. Now he is happy to see real repentance and encourages them to show their affection again to the erring one. If they did not comfort him, there was the danger that he would be overcome with sorrow. Satan can use an unforgiving spirit to discourage sorrowing Christians. This is one of Satan’s many devices that he uses to take advantage of us. As much as Paul enjoyed preaching the gospel when the Lord opened the door, he had no rest in his spirit until he found Titus and heard good news from him about the Corinthians. He had a heart of love for his children in the faith. However, even in his day, there were many who used the Word of God in a wrong way. They were using religion as a business. The gospel is free, and all spiritual blessings are freely given to us of God.

1. Although Paul shed many tears as he wrote his first epistle, what did he want them to know through his letter? __________ 2 Corinthians 2:___

2. What may happen to a Christian who repents if we do not forgive and comfort him? __________ 2 Corinthians 2:___

3. Who would like to take advantage of us with his many devices? __________ 2 Corinthians 2:___

4. At Troas, who opened the door to preach the gospel? __________ 2 Corinthians 2:___

5. Many use the Word of God wrongly and corrupt it. How are we to use and speak of it? __________ 2 Corinthians 2:___

2 Corinthians 3

The early church used letters of commendation for those who visited other believers (Acts 18:27; Romans 16:1). Did the Apostle Paul need an epistle of commendation to the Corinthians? No, because they were his letter of commendation, having been saved under his preaching. All men knew what manner of people they were before they heard the gospel, for Corinth was a wicked city, but now these believers were serving the Lord. They had a new life given to them. It was not received by law-keeping, but by the Spirit of God using Paul as the messenger of the gospel. Paul did not make out or even think that he was better than others, but he gives God the credit for all that was accomplished through the preaching of the gospel. The law could never give new life, but the Spirit of God could. Now that Christ has completed the work necessary for our salvation and the Spirit indwells us, we can understand many lovely pictures of Christ in the Old Testament. We are living in a most favored time of man’s history on earth! How we should delight to read the Bible often and practice it! As a result, we will be changed and become more like the Lord Jesus.

1. The faith of the saints in Corinth was written in Paul’s heart. Who else read their faith through their lives as if they were reading a letter? __________ 2 Corinthians 3:___

2. We are not sufficient to think anything correctly by ourselves, but who gives us sufficiency to think right thoughts? __________ 2 Corinthians 3:___

3. The letter of the law kills, but the Spirit gives __________. 2 Corinthians 3:___

4. We can now understand beautiful truth from the Old Testament because the veil (which formerly had blinded the spiritual sight of the children of Israel) is now __________. 2 Corinthians 3:___

5. By the Spirit, if we behold the glory of the Lord, what happens to us? __________ 2 Corinthians 3:___

2 Corinthians 4

The ministry mentioned in the beginning of this chapter is the gospel. We who believe the good news of salvation are to bear witness to others. Even when we don’t say something, our lives should show that a great change has taken place. Our former life of dishonesty and craftiness is now replaced by godliness as we feed on the Word of God and act on it. Those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Savior can only please themselves and the god of this world. Do you know who he is? He is Satan, the deceiver, who blinds the minds of them who do not believe the gospel. Such people are in darkness, for the light of the gospel has not entered their hearts. Preaching the glad tidings will stir up the anger of the enemy who persecutes God’s messengers. As a result, Paul suffered much, and so will we, if we are faithful. But if we bear it patiently, we will manifest the life of Jesus in our body. Only one life, will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last. What we see all around us will pass away, but what we do not see is eternal.

1. Instead of walking in craftiness and handling the Word of God deceitfully, what was the Apostle doing with the truth he manifested? __________ 2 Corinthians 4:___

2. What has the god of this world done to them that believe not? __________ 2 Corinthians 4:___

3. In Genesis 1:3, God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. Where else has God shined? __________ 2 Corinthians 4:___

4. Why should we always carry about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus? __________ 2 Corinthians 4:___

5. The eternal things are the things that are __________. 2 Corinthians 4:___

2 Corinthians 5

The Bible makes a Christian sure about the future because its Author knows the end from the beginning. Our body is compared to a tabernacle (a tent) because it is only a temporary lodging while on earth. If we die before the Lord comes (1 Corinthians 15:51), our tabernacle will be exchanged for an eternal building of God, not made with hands, at the resurrection. What a blessed hope the believer in Christ has! God has given to us the Holy Spirit, assuring us that after this life of faith, if we should be absent from the body, we would be forever with the Lord. While here, we each have a work to do, and we will be rewarded if we do it well. That is why we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, not to be judged for our sins, but to receive reward for all that we did for Him. Therefore, we should spend our time wisely, serving our Savior and spreading the good news of salvation to others. The One who died for us and rose again is worthy of our all! It was not His perfect life that saved us, but the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ was made to be sin for us in those three hours of darkness on the cross.

1. If a believer is living at home in his body, what else is true of him? __________ 2 Corinthians 5:___

2. Where would a Christian be if he were absent from the body? __________ 2 Corinthians 5:___

3. Why must we all appear before the judgment seat of Christ? __________ 2 Corinthians 5:___

4. What constrains us to live for the One who died for us and rose again? __________ 2 Corinthians 5:___

5. Why did God make the Lord Jesus Christ to be sin for us? __________ 2 Corinthians 5:___

2 Corinthians 6

The Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthians to work together with him, even though it may be difficult. God has not promised us an easy path. Paul led by example and was not as those who bound heavy burdens on others but would not move them with one of their fingers (Matthew 23:4). Be sure that if a Christian gives offense in anything, the ministry will be blamed. In serving the Lord, we will encounter opposition and ridicule, requiring much patience if we are to succeed as ministers of God. In spite of being maligned, the child of God must continue doing that which is right on every hand and never let his armor down. It is very important that a believer be not unequally yoked (joined) together with an unbeliever, because they have nothing in common. Those who have disobeyed God in this matter have found what an unhappy thing such a union is. Will two different animals, yoked together, pull in harmony? Neither will it work for a believer and an unbeliever, for they have two different masters. The Corinthians were to separate from the idolatry all around them and then God would be as a Father to them and they would be as sons and daughters to Him. Only if we obey can this relationship be enjoyed.

1. A Christian should not give offense in anything, so that the ministry (God’s work in this world) is not __________. 2 Corinthians 6:___

2. What is the first thing mentioned as proof that the apostles were ministers of God? __________ 2 Corinthians 6:___

3. On the right hand and on the left, what kind of armor should we have? __________ 2 Corinthians 6:___

4. Why should we not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers? __________ 2 Corinthians 6:___

5. If we separate ourselves from that which is unclean, the Lord will receive us, and He promises to be what to us? __________ 2 Corinthians 6:___

2 Corinthians 7

In the beginning of this chapter, God looks for practical holiness in His people. Although we are “clean every whit” (John 13:10), we are still to purify ourselves as He is pure. Inasmuch as such promises have been made to us, is He not worthy of purity in our lives? The great Apostle Paul needed encouragement too, for when he came to Macedonia he was cast down, had fears and then was comforted. Within and without, he was passing through trying circumstances. Have you ever been in a similar situation? The Lord knows how to encourage at such times. Titus told Paul that the Corinthians had sorrow and repented of their bad behavior before the Lord. What joy this news brought to the Apostle’s heart. He really loved them, and his care and concern caused him to write the first epistle. Titus also was comforted when he saw the effect that Paul’s letter had on the Corinthians. Their fear and trembling was evidence that God was already working in their souls.

1. Because God has made such great promises to us, what should we do? __________ 2 Corinthians 7:___

2. When the Lord’s servants came to Macedonia, did they have a peaceable time? __________ 2 Corinthians 7:___

3. Godly sorrow brings repentance to salvation. What does the sorrow of the world bring? __________ 2 Corinthians 7:___

4. Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians for what cause? __________ 2 Corinthians 7:___

5. When Titus came to Corinth, how did they receive him? __________ 2 Corinthians 7:___

2 Corinthians 8

Here we see how Gentile believers were to show their appreciation for the blessing which they had received through the Jews. This chapter also tells us of the oneness of the body of Christ and how the members are to care for one another. The churches in Macedonia did not have much, but they wanted the Lord’s servants to accept gifts from them. The Word of God had such an effect on their lives that they dedicated themselves to the Lord and their belongings to His work. This was the grace of God working in their hearts. The Corinthians abounded in many gifts, and the Apostle desired that the grace of giving would be true of them also. Now, the best way to teach others how to behave is by example, and so Paul points them to what the Lord Jesus Christ did for them. He was rich beyond calculation but became a man and said, “I am poor and sorrowful” (Psalm 69:29). Giving of our substance is only one way in which we can serve the Lord. There are many ways to fill up our time, such as helping the sick and needy, praying, telling others the good news of salvation, or passing out gospel tracts. There is a brother, whose name is not even mentioned, who was very active in gospel work, but God knows all about it and will reward accordingly. Then there was also another brother who was diligent in the Lord’s work. Lastly, there was Titus, whom Paul calls a partner, a messenger, who did all for the glory of Christ. This is a commendation we should all desire.

1. The poverty of the believers in Macedonia combined with their joy in the Lord abounded unto __________. 2 Corinthians 8:___

2. Name five things that the Corinthians abounded in. __________ 2 Corinthians 8:___

3. What did our Lord Jesus Christ do in grace in order that we might be rich? __________ 2 Corinthians 8:___

4. Several men traveling together with the monetary gift demonstrated the importance of providing everything honest not only in the sight of God, but also __________. 2 Corinthians 8:___

5. Who was Paul’s partner and fellow-helper concerning the Corinthians? __________ 2 Corinthians 8:___

2 Corinthians 9

Probably all of us enjoy receiving gifts. God delights to give and wants us to be like Him. Christians are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to learn to be generous givers, whose giving would help others to learn about and praise the greatest giver of all, their God. Someone who only sows or plants a little bit of seed will only harvest sparingly or receive a small crop. But if we sow bountifully or generously, we receive a large and bountiful crop. This teaches us to give generously. God gives cheerfully and loves to see us be a cheerful giver as well, not the grudging giver who feels forced by others to share. The result of our giving the way God has instructed will be that our God receives thanksgiving from many hearts. Others will recognize that God has given through us and praise Him as the source of every good gift. They will glorify God when they see our subjection to the wonderful news of Christ. Best of all, when Christians give the same way that God does, then thanks go to Him for a gift that no one can properly put into words. God calls His giving unspeakable because it is better than we can express.

1. How are we to sow if we expect to reap a bountiful crop? __________ 2 Corinthians 9:___

2. What kind of a giver does God love instead of a grudging one? __________ 2 Corinthians 9:___

3. What can cause thanksgiving to go to God through us? __________ 2 Corinthians 9:___

4. What do men glorify God for when they witness our liberal distribution to others? __________ 2 Corinthians 9:___

5. What one word describes God’s awesome gift to us, for which we should continually give Him thanks? __________ 2 Corinthians 9:___

2 Corinthians 10

The body of Paul was weak and sickly. But when he wrote letters, he sounded like a big, important man. The assembly at Corinth did not respect Paul as they should have. They considered themselves to be more important than Paul because Paul was not present. Paul had authority as an apostle of God. We should submit to the people that God has put into positions of authority. Do not consider yourself to be important. Just accept whatever responsibility the Lord allows you to have and do it for Jesus. Do not be proud of the abilities God has given to you. Speak of the great things that the Lord Jesus has done and give glory to Him.

1. Paul appealed to the Corinthians, not on the basis of his own character, but rather by two qualities of Christ. What are they? __________ 2 Corinthians 10:___

2. We are to bring into captivity every __________ to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:___

3. Paul’s letters were weighty, but some said his bodily presence was __________ and his speech was __________. 2 Corinthians 10:___

4. All glorying (or boasting) should be __________. 2 Corinthians 10:___

5. It is not the person who commends himself that is __________, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:___

2 Corinthians 11

The Apostle Paul was writing to tell us how he suffered many dangers, problems and persecution while he was spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, Satan and his demons were taking control of certain men who came into the meetings of the church. These men pretended to be apostles and they preached a false message. Their message did not agree with what the Spirit of God taught through the writings of Paul. If you want to follow Jesus, you must agree that the teachings of Paul are the commandments of the Lord. Because Paul wrote the truth that God told him to write, we should practice the way he teaches us in the Bible. As you practice the truth from Jesus which Paul taught, you might also expect to suffer persecution and other problems like he did.

1. It is important to remember that Paul was one of the very chiefest __________. 2 Corinthians 11:___

2. Paul abased or humbled himself in order to preach the gospel of God __________. 2 Corinthians 11:___

3. Paul received money from other churches for his support but not from the Corinthians, because he wanted to keep himself from being __________ to them. 2 Corinthians 11:___

4. Deceitful workers who transform themselves to look like apostles of Christ are really __________ apostles. 2 Corinthians 11:___

5. Satan tricks many Christians by pretending to be a preacher of the Bible. He turns himself into an angel of __________ and teaches false ideas. 2 Corinthians 11:___

2 Corinthians 12

The Apostle Paul is writing in this chapter about one time when God revealed part of the Bible to Paul. He could not write down some of the information because there are no words that he could use to make people understand how wonderful heaven is. Paul tells us about these revelations to help prove that he was a true apostle. Paul had these teachings given to him directly from God. God did not want Paul to become proud, so He allowed Satan to attack Paul with a disability to keep him humble. He calls it a “thorn in the flesh.” We do not know exactly what the problem was, but it made Paul weak in his body. Paul prayed three times that God might take away this disability. God said, No, Paul, I will not take away your problems, but I will give you the grace to have joy in spite of your difficulty, and you will have the power of Christ to do the work of God.

The false teacher made the Corinthians doubt that Paul was an apostle. In verses 11-13, Paul reminds them about the miracles they had seen through him to support the fact that he was an apostle.

Paul had visited Corinth once. The second time he planned to visit them, he had to cancel. Now he plans this third time to visit them again. Paul loved these people more than the false teachers who were in their assembly did. Paul was willing to suffer much to serve these Christians so they could be strong in the Lord.

1. What did Paul hear when he was caught up into paradise? __________ 2 Corinthians 12:___

2. To keep Paul humble, he had been given a disability that he calls a __________. 2 Corinthians 12:___

3. Instead of removing the disability of Paul, God’s __________ was sufficient for his needs. 2 Corinthians 12:___

4. List the things Paul takes pleasure in for Christ’s sake. __________ 2 Corinthians 12:___

5. The signs and wonders that were wrought among the Corinthians proved that Paul truly was an __________. 2 Corinthians 12:___

2 Corinthians 13

When Paul came to Corinth, he was going to investigate their problems. When he had information about the sin from two or three witnesses, he would use his authority as an apostle to punish those who were doing the evil. Paul tells them to examine themselves to see if they truly have faith. If they do have faith, they should prove it by turning away from their wicked deeds. Paul’s prayer is that they would stop the sin, be honest, and keep themselves pure. His purpose in writing to them was not to destroy them but to make them strong in their faith. At the end of Paul’s letter, he encourages them to be of one mind according to the Spirit of God, to be at peace and to greet one another with purity. These are good for us to practice also — unity, peace and purity.

1. How many witnesses did Paul need to establish facts? __________ 2 Corinthians 13:___

2. Paul told them to examine themselves to see if they were in the __________. 2 Corinthians 13:___

3. Because Paul and the other apostles were true servants of God, they could not do anything __________ the truth, but rather __________ the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:___

4. When Paul was writing his farewell, he listed four things for them to do. What are they? __________ 2 Corinthians 13:___

5. It is important to have a holy life. If you greet a person with a kiss, what kind of kiss should it be? __________ 2 Corinthians 13:___

Galatians 1

God chose Paul to be an apostle and revealed the true gospel to him. Paul preached the grace of God, which gives peace to those who believe the Lord Jesus gave Himself to die for their sins. False teachers came to Galatia with a different gospel than the Apostle Paul had taught them. This false gospel forced everyone to try to keep the law. There is no grace in the law. Paul was saved by grace. God sent Paul to tell the heathen Gentiles about God’s grace. This means Jesus died for everyone, not just the Jews. What about you? Have you admitted your sin to Jesus and asked Him to save you? Paul came to Jerusalem to visit with Peter for 15 days. The Christians here knew that Paul had persecuted the church in the past. Paul would disturb meetings, beat and arrest Christians, and kill some of them. These Christians gave glory to God because there was a change in Paul. He had been saved by grace and now he was preaching salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

1. Whose will was it that we might be delivered from this present evil world? __________ Galatians 1:___

2. The Christians of Galatia were removed from the grace of Christ unto another __________. Galatians 1:___

3. A person can only be saved by faith without works. If any man would preach another gospel, let him be __________. Galatians 1:___

4. God separated Paul from his mother’s womb, and God was pleased to call Paul by His __________ in order to serve Him. Galatians 1:___

5. What was the name of the Lord’s brother, who was an apostle? __________ Galatians 1:___

Galatians 2

God sent Peter to preach the gospel to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles. Before the Jews were saved, they tried to be justified by keeping the law of Moses. But it is not possible for a person to keep the law. The true gospel is that Jesus was punished for our sins, He died, He shed His blood, and He rose from the dead so that we could be justified by faith without the works of the law. For the Jews, circumcision was a symbol of keeping the law. False brethren demanded Jewish and Gentile believers to be circumcised and to keep the law to complete their salvation. This false gospel confused the Galatian believers. Before this confusion, Peter would eat with Gentile believers. But then Peter listened to the false teachers and stopped having fellowship with Gentile believers because they were not circumcised. Paul rebuked Peter in the presence of the whole assembly because Peter was wrong to act as if he were more holy than the Gentiles. If it were possible to be holy by keeping the law of Moses, then the death and blood of Jesus Christ was without purpose. It would mean Jesus threw away His life and the Word of God is all lies. But we know the Word of God is truth, and “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes” (Romans 10:4).

1. Who went up to Jerusalem with Paul? __________ Galatians 2:___

2. Who came into the Galatian assemblies that they might bring them into bondage of the law? __________ Galatians 2:___

3. Who gave the right hands of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas? __________ Galatians 2:___

4. A Christian should not live by the works of the law but by the faith of the Son of God who __________ me and __________ Himself for me. Galatians 2:___

5. We know Christ died for our sins because righteousness does not come by the __________. Galatians 2:___

Galatians 3

Verse 11 tells us, “The just shall live by faith.” Who are the just? The just are those who have repented and believed that Jesus died because of their sin. The just believe Jesus rose from the dead and has given to them the gift of eternal life. This life is pure and does not need the law of Moses to improve it. The eternal life Jesus gives is holy and just. It is a life that cannot sin. If you have eternal life, you are just. You can live by faith because the death of Christ has removed the law from us. The Galatian believers had listened to the false Jewish teachers who were bewitching them with lies of the devil. The false teachers were forcing the Jewish and Gentile Christians to practice the law of Moses, even though it is impossible for anyone to keep the law. Paul explains to the Galatians about Abraham, who was justified by faith and not by keeping the commandments. The Galatians could not be saved by keeping the law of Moses, and they could not live a holy life by keeping the law. The purpose of the law was to be like a schoolteacher that taught us about our sin. The law taught us that we are bad and need a Savior. Our Savior is Jesus Christ.

1. The Galatians were foolish in listening to the lie that they could begin in the Spirit (be saved by grace) but then be made perfect (complete) by __________ (their own works). Galatians 3:___

2. The just shall live by __________. Galatians 3:___

3. Who has redeemed us from the curse of the law? __________ Galatians 3:___

4. What was the schoolmaster that brought us to Christ? __________ Galatians 3:___

5. By faith in Christ Jesus we are the __________ of God. Galatians 3:___

Galatians 4

People under the law are slaves to the law. They are like a child who is at school. His parents and teachers always tell him, Do this and don’t do that. When a child becomes older, he is given more privileges and responsibilities of an adult. When a person is saved by grace, God adopts the new believer as a son, and the believer becomes an heir of God.

This chapter is about slaves and sons. The slaves represent those who work hard to keep the law. They are compared with sons who have been saved by grace. It is foolish for a son to act like a slave and try to keep the law. It is foolish for a Christian to live like a slave by trying to keep the law.

Hagar and Ishmael represent the law, because they are slaves. Sarah and Isaac represent grace, because they were not slaves. They were free. Hagar and Ishmael were chased out of the house because slaves could not stay together with Sarah and Isaac, who were free. Law and grace cannot be mixed for salvation. A person can be saved only by grace, without the law. The law condemns, but grace sets a person free from the law of sin and death.

1. What is the difference between a child and a servant when being told what they are to do? __________ Galatians 4:___

2. A child is young and under the law of the parents. A son is older and responsible. God wants us to receive the adoption of __________. Galatians 4:___

3. How many sons did Abraham have? __________ Galatians 4:___

4. Ishmael was a slave, born through a relationship of the flesh with a bondmaid. The other son was born by Abraham’s wife, who was a freewoman. He was the child of promise. What was his name? __________ Galatians 4:___

5. Ishmael was born after the flesh and persecuted the son who was born after the __________. Galatians 4:___

Galatians 5

After the Galatians believed on the Lord Jesus, they were freed from the slavery of the law. Verse 7 says, “Ye did run well.” This means the Galatians were saved and they were happy Christians. They were living and enjoying the freedom they had in Christ.

Then some false teachers came and told them they had to keep part of the law if they were to be justified. These Christians did not lose their salvation, but they became confused. They thought that they had to believe the gospel and also keep the law. In verse 5, we understand that a believer can be sure he is righteous by faith through the Spirit of God. We cannot become righteous by keeping the law.

If we try by our own power to keep the law, we will fail and we will do the bad works of the flesh rather than the works of God. But if we live by faith through the Spirit of God, we will love one another. A person who is saved has the Spirit of God living inside him, which produces good things in the Christian’s life.

The chapter ends with three commands: (1) Do not brag. (2) Do not provoke or annoy others. (3) Do not be jealous of your friends.

1. If you are justified by the law, you are fallen from __________; Christ is become of __________ to you. Galatians 5:___

2. These believers had a good start in the life of faith, but some false teachers hindered them so that they should not obey the __________. Galatians 5:___

3. We have been called to liberty, not as an occasion for __________, but so that we can __________ one another by love. Galatians 5:___

4. If we follow one primary command, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. What is it? __________ Galatians 5:___

5. List the fruit of the Spirit (and memorize them). __________ Galatians 5:___

Galatians 6

Christians who are living by the Spirit should help bring back those who have been led away by temptation and fallen into sin. They need to turn away from their sin. We should be humble when we are talking to others.

The seed we sow in the soil is the same kind of fruit or tree we will reap in harvest. It is also true about our bodies and spirits. If I spend my time or energy or money on my lust for things such as pleasure, music and friends, I may enjoy them for a little time but I will not harvest glory for God. I will be damaged in my body or spirit, and I will lose my joy and my reward. If I use my time and energy and money to support the gospel and do good to all people, especially to all Christians, there will be an everlasting harvest of glory for the Lord Jesus.

The death of Christ on the cross separates the believer from the world because the world hates to think about the death of Jesus. We no longer value what the world values. The believer is dead to the world. The world has nothing to satisfy the new life.

The false teachers wanted the believers to practice the law of circumcision. Paul tells them in verse 15 that it does not matter if you are circumcised or not, but it is important to live by the power of the new life. Paul lived according to the gospel of the cross of Christ and he had the marks of persecution in his body to prove his devotion to the truth of God’s Word.

1. To fulfill the law of Christ means to __________ one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:___

2. When a person is proud and thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he __________. Galatians 6:___

3. Whatever a man sows, he is sure to __________. Galatians 6:___

4. We should do good to all, especially those who are of the __________. Galatians 6:___

5. Paul suffered for his faith, and he had the __________ in his body to prove it. Galatians 6:___

Ephesians 1

Before creation, the grace of God chose some people to be saved. He planned for them a destiny of eternal fellowship with God in heaven. Here are seven spiritual blessings that we believers have because Jesus died for our sins and rose again: (1) chosen to be holy and without blame; (2) adopted into the position of adult sons; (3) accepted in Christ, God’s beloved; (4) redeemed and forgiven from our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ; (5) knowledge of the mystery of His will, that all believers are the church; (6) inheritance with Christ in heaven; (7) the seal and earnest of the Spirit as a guarantee for the believer that he is going to heaven. Also, the earnest of the Spirit helps us to enjoy Christ now before we get to heaven.

The Apostle Paul thanked God for the faith of the Ephesian believers and their love to all saints, not to just a certain group of believers. Also, they were learning to know more about Jesus Christ whom God has raised from the dead, put Him in the highest place in heaven and given Him a name above all others.

1. God chose us to be saved so that we should be __________ and without blame. Ephesians 1:___

2. God has predestinated us unto the __________ of children. Ephesians 1:___

3. God does not accept us through our good works, but we are __________ in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:___

4. We have forgiveness of sins because we have __________ through His blood. Ephesians 1:___

5. After we believed in Jesus Christ, we have been sealed by the Spirit, which is the __________ of our inheritance. Ephesians 1:___

Ephesians 2

This chapter explains mercy and grace. Mercy takes us out from our condition of being dead in our sins. Grace brings us into a place of blessing, where we are sitting together with Christ. Before we were saved, God says we were spiritually dead because there was nothing good in our life that could please God. We were so bad that God called us the children of disobedience. The mercy of God took us out of that bad condition of sin. Because we were dead in sins, God quickened us, which means God gave us spiritual life. By the grace of God, He gave us the faith to believe that Jesus died to take the punishment for my sin and the faith to accept Jesus as my Savior. We cannot earn salvation with our works. But after we are saved, we have been created to do good works. The good works of our new life give glory to Christ Jesus. The grace of God raised us up and brought us near to God by the blood of Christ. By grace we have been put together with other believers to be a spiritual building where God is happy to stay with us.

1. God is rich in __________ because His love to us is so great. Ephesians 2:___

2. To be saved through faith is the __________ of God. Ephesians 2:___

3. God does not want us to boast, so He will not accept our __________ for our salvation. Ephesians 2:___

4. Before we were saved, we were far off from God. Now we are made nigh by the __________ of Christ. Ephesians 2:___

5. We have been put together with other believers to be a spiritual building. Who is the chief cornerstone of the foundation? __________ Ephesians 2:___

Ephesians 3

Verses 3, 4 and 9 mention the mystery that is hidden in God. The mystery is the purpose of God to remove all differences between Jews and Gentiles and put them together in one body. God called this one body of believers the church. At first the gospel went to the Jews only, but then God sent Paul to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. I am very happy that God included Gentiles in the church, because I am not a Jew. The mystery about the church was given by the Spirit of God to Paul only to write in the Bible. Paul teaches us how we, the church, should behave together. The principalities and powers in verse 10 are the angels, who watch you and me. They see how God has put us together in the church. The angels are learning the wisdom of God by watching His love and care for the church. They see that we have access to come and talk to the Lord Jesus at any time. In verses 13-19, Paul prays for the Ephesians that through the Spirit they may understand the great love of Christ and our glorious salvation. We believers today enjoy the same love and care and fellowship because we are part of the same church as the Ephesians. The church will be giving glory to God through all eternity.

1. The dispensation of __________ was given to Paul to share with Gentiles. Ephesians 3:___

2. The mystery of Christ was that the Gentiles should be __________ and of the same __________ as the Jews. Ephesians 3:___

3. How does Paul describe himself as having received such an immense gift as grace? __________ Ephesians 3:___

4. To whom did Paul bow his knees? __________ Ephesians 3:___

5. Christ dwelling in our hearts by __________ allows us to be __________ and __________ in love. Ephesians 3:___

Ephesians 4

We are told to walk worthy of our calling to practice the truth that we are one body with all other believers. Each believer has the same faith and the same hope as all other believers. We should practice this truth, while keeping the unity of the Spirit, with humility and meekness, and forbearing with one another in love. This unity is not agreement with each other — we should agree with the Holy Spirit.

Unity of the Spirit is the oneness of the members of the body of Christ, which the Holy Spirit has established. It takes grace and diligence and obedience to the Word of God to practice this unity on the earth. We should obey the one Lord and walk in agreement with the one Spirit.

The Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to believers to teach and encourage the body of Christ so we can be spiritually strong Christians.

In verses 17-32, we are encouraged to have a pure life and to be angry at sin. If we are angry at sin, it will help to keep us from doing sin. If we begin to think that a certain sin is not so bad, we will start to do that sin. But do not be angry at other people. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

1. What is the name of the bond by which we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit? __________ Ephesians 4:___

2. What two points go together with one hope? __________ Ephesians 4:___

3. What is given to us according to the measure of the gift of Christ? __________ Ephesians 4:___

4. In order to grow up into Him who is the head of the body, we should always speak __________ in __________. Ephesians 4:___

5. We have strong encouragement to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving towards others when we keep in mind that God, for Christ’s sake, has __________ us. Ephesians 4:___

Ephesians 5

Follow God. Christ loved us and gave Himself to die for us as a sacrifice to God. We should follow His example and give of ourselves to love one another. This will make God happy. Unbelievers do bad things because they are not the children of God. When a believer is saved, he begins to stop doing the bad. God wants us to have Christian friends who love the Lord Jesus and to follow the example of the Lord Jesus. If we love the Lord Jesus, we will not have fellowship with unbelievers because they will get us to sin against God. The unbelievers are in darkness. We Christians are taught to walk in the light of God’s Word. If we read the Bible, we can learn to understand the will of God for us. Instead of having our minds filled with the darkness and pleasures of the world, we are told not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit. The Spirit of God will make us happy to sing praises to the Lord, to give thanks to God, and to submit to one another. Next, Paul talks to husbands and wives. If a husband is filled with the Spirit, he will love his wife even if she does not respect him. If a wife is filled with the Spirit, she will respect her husband even if he does not show love to her. Christ and the church He loved and for whom He gave Himself are an example for a husband and wife to love and respect one another.

1. Who does Paul tell us we should follow (or imitate)? __________ Ephesians 5:___

2. The wrath of God comes upon the children of __________. Ephesians 5:___

3. A believer is light in the Lord, so let us remember to walk as children of __________. Ephesians 5:___

4. What should a wife do for her husband, which is the same as she should do to the Lord? __________ Ephesians 5:___

5. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. A husband needs to __________ his wife and to give himself to serve her just as Christ has done for the church. Ephesians 5:___

Ephesians 6

Children are told the will of God so they know what to do. God says: Children, obey and honor your father and mother. The father is told to train his children with teaching, correction and warnings. They need to listen and obey.

If you have a job to do for somebody, you need to do a good job. Do the job as if you were doing it for the Lord Jesus.

Satan will try to use games, movies, music, books and friends to attack your belief in God. You need to put on the whole armor of God to protect your mind, your emotions and your body from these attacks. You are protected from the tricks of Satan when you speak the truth, live a righteous life, are honest, tell others about Jesus and how to be saved, believe what God says in the Bible, and know that you have eternal life and can never lose it. Reading, memorizing and obeying the Bible will help you to know how to live the Christian life. Prayer will help you to depend on the Lord Jesus, so you will not be tempted to sin. Prayer and learning the Bible will also help you to know how to preach the gospel.

1. Who should obey their parents? __________ Ephesians 6:___

2. When we have a job to do for another person, we should do the job as if we were serving __________. Ephesians 6:___

3. To fight the Christian’s spiritual battles, we must be strong in __________ and in __________. Ephesians 6:___

4. In order to stand against the wiles of the devil, we must put on __________. Ephesians 6:___

5. What is the sword of the Spirit? __________ Ephesians 6:___

Philippians 1

God began the good work of grace and salvation in our hearts. We could do nothing to save ourselves. Paul knew that God would continue the good work and keep the believers safe in Christ until the day Jesus would come to take them to be with Him in heaven. We will never lose our salvation.

The Philippians were rejoicing in their faith in Jesus Christ and they were supporting the Apostle Paul in the gospel. It was Paul’s prayer that the Philippians would grow in love and knowledge. He wanted them to make good decisions so their lives would give glory to the Lord Jesus.

Paul was in prison, so he was happy that others were preaching the gospel outside of the prison. Paul was going to be killed because of his faith in Christ. He was looking forward to the time of his death when he would go into the presence of the Lord. He was preparing the Philippians to be strong in faith because they would continue to suffer for Jesus Christ after Paul was in heaven.

1. What did Paul say he did every time he remembered the Christians of Philippi? __________ Philippians 1:___

2. What does Paul pray will abound more and more in knowledge and judgment? __________ Philippians 1:___

3. Many of the brethren, when they heard of Paul’s imprisonment, were much more __________ to speak the Word of God without __________. Philippians 1:___

4. While Paul was alive, he enjoyed Christ, but if he were to __________, he would have even more of Christ. Philippians 1:___

5. How does Paul describe departing to be with Christ compared to continuing to live in the flesh (his body)? __________ Philippians 1:___

Philippians 2

Some of the Christians in this assembly were having disagreements. We should get along with one another. Paul tells them to follow the example of Jesus and practice love, unity and humility.

Jesus is God, who had come into the world to be a man. He was a servant among men. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death. He died on the cross because of our sins. God was satisfied that Jesus took the punishment of sin for us. Jesus finished the work of salvation. God raised Jesus from the dead and gave Jesus the highest honor in heaven. Everyone should bow the knee and give glory and honor to Jesus.

Today the world is like it was when these verses were written. The world is full of sin. We are lights in the world to shine for Jesus. Share the word of life with your friends so they might be saved.

Timothy and Epaphroditus were examples of Jesus’ love and humility. Timothy cared for the believers and he wanted to teach them about living for Jesus. The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to help Paul in his work for the Lord. While doing this work, Epaphroditus got sick and almost died. Now Paul is sending him back to encourage the Philippians.

1. Why did Jesus not think it was robbery for Him to be equal with God? He was already and always __________. Philippians 2:___

2. What type of death was Jesus obedient to? __________ Philippians 2:___

3. What should you do with your knees? __________ Philippians 2:___

4. What should you confess? __________ Philippians 2:___

5. Selfish people seek their own things to please themselves. We should want to seek the things which are __________. Philippians 2:___

Philippians 3

Be happy because the Lord Jesus saved you. Do not be happy in your own ability or success in life.

Paul says, “Beware.” The dogs and evil workers were false teachers. They were saying the Philippians should trust in good works, success and position in the world to be accepted by God. Paul had the good works, the success and the position in life, but he decided to forget these things so he could learn to know Christ better and to be like Him. He tells us to follow the same example.

The Christian life is like running a race. In a race, we focus on the finish line. In the Christian life, our finish line is the coming of Jesus Christ. He will come to take believers to heaven and He will give us each a prize.

If both you and your friend obey the Word of God, you will be good Christian friends.

Do not be selfish like an enemy of the cross of Christ. We are citizens of heaven, so we should act like a Christian. We wait for the Lord Jesus to come and take us to be with Him in heaven. Jesus will change our bodies so we can live together with Him.

1. What did the Apostle Paul count those things he had gained in the world as to their worth? __________ Philippians 3:___

2. Whose righteousness did Paul want to have? __________ Philippians 3:___

3. What prize did Paul want? __________ Philippians 3:___

4. What was Paul doing when he warned them about the enemies of the cross of Christ? __________ Philippians 3:___

5. When the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, comes for us from heaven, He is going to change our bodies to be fashioned like __________. Philippians 3:___

Philippians 4

We see in verse 1 That Paul loved the saints of God. He wanted them to be happy Christians, who loved the Lord Jesus. Euodias and Syntyche were two women who had helped Paul with gospel outreach. These two women had disagreements. Paul urged them to change their minds to agree with the Word of God. So Paul encourages them to moderation, which is our willingness to give up our own way to follow the Lord.

Don’t worry! Share your problems, your joy and your requests with Jesus. Thank God in every situation, and the peace of God will keep you. We need to control our thoughts. If a believer, who is following the Lord, has a bad thought come into his mind, he can chase it away by thinking good things that are true, honest, just and pure.

Paul learned to be content at all times, both on good days and on bad days, whether he had food to eat or nothing to eat. Paul thanks the Philippian Christians for their generous gift. They had given him money to help with his expenses while he preached the gospel and taught the Word of God. Paul teaches us to give generously. You should plan to give as much money to the Lord as you possibly can, and if you give until it hurts, God promises He will supply all that you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1. How often should we rejoice in the Lord? __________ Philippians 4:___

2. What will keep (or guard) our hearts and minds? __________ Philippians 4:___

3. Who gives me strength to serve the Lord in all things during good times and bad? __________ Philippians 4:___

4. What will God supply for you when you give money to spread the gospel and teach God’s Word? __________ Philippians 4:___

5. Who should get the glory forever and ever? __________ Philippians 4:___

Colossians 1

Timotheus (Timothy) sent his greetings in Paul’s letter to the saints of Colosse. They were both happy to hear a report, from a man named Epaphras, about the Colossians’ faith in Christ and their love for all Christians. The hope of these saints was the knowledge of the Lord’s coming for them. They had learned this truth through the preaching of the gospel. Since the day Paul and Timothy heard this report, they prayed for the Colossians to learn the ways of God and live their lives to please the Lord.

Christ has redeemed us, and we have had our sins forgiven. We have been saved from the power of Satan and sin and brought into the light of salvation. We have been brought into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are free from the dangers of sin, death and hell.

The Lord describes all the living believers of the church as His body. The Man Jesus Christ is God. He should have the first place in all things, so He is the head and we are the body.

Paul had two duties. In verse 23 we find he was a preacher of the gospel so people could be saved. Next, he was a teacher of the truth of Christ and His church. God wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of this truth.

1. What was the name of the other brother who sent his greetings with Paul to the saints in Colosse? __________ Colossians 1:___

2. In whom did the Colossians have their faith? __________ Colossians 1:___

3. What has God delivered us from? __________ Colossians 1:___

4. Redemption means the price was paid to get rid of our sins, and now we can enjoy the __________ of all our sins. Colossians 1:___

5. Jesus is the first person to rise from the dead who will never die again. He is the head of the body that in all things He might have the __________. Colossians 1:___

Colossians 2

The church of God is a mystery, which was not explained in the Old Testament. In this mystery are hid the wisdom and knowledge of the church, which did not exist until 50 days after Christ rose from the dead. The church is the body of Christ, which includes all who believe on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Christ is the head of His body, the church.

Paul was joyful to see the Colossians’ faith in Christ. It brought order to their lives. Christ is our stability and the food for our spiritual life, just like a plant has a root to keep it stable and to provide food for it.

All the fullness of the Godhead is found in the Man Christ Jesus. God became a man named Jesus, so He could show to man everything that God is as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus shows us the heart of the Father, the comfort of the Spirit, and the Savior of sinners. Christ is everything to the believer. Believers have been forgiven all their sin. By dying on the cross, Jesus has freed us from living under laws that lead to death. The believer no longer celebrates religious holidays and ceremonies. The only ceremony the Lord has for believers is baptism. We are also asked to remember the Lord in His death. Now we want to live to please Jesus and obey His will.

1. In the mystery of God are hid all the treasures of __________ and __________. Colossians 2:___

2. What should you do if you have received Christ Jesus as Lord? __________ Colossians 2:___

3. A believer who is established in the faith should abound with __________. Colossians 2:___

4. In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead __________. Colossians 2:___

5. We are __________ in Him who is head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:___

Colossians 3

If we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior, we are risen with Christ. This means we have a new life and we are going to heaven. God has given us the power to act like a Christian. We need to set our minds to think about our Lord Jesus and do those things that give honor to Him and put out of our life those bad things that get us into trouble and bring shame to the Lord Jesus. When we act with the new life that God has given us, we will be kind to everyone. We won’t be proud; we will be humble. We will not be selfish; we will accept others the way they are and we will not expect them to do everything our way. We won’t hate those who offend us; we will forgive them. Most of all, we will love one another all the time. This is the way a person acts when his life is hid with Christ in God.

Everything we say and do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Only do something if you know Jesus would approve of your actions. Ask yourself, Will this give glory to the Lord Jesus?

1. Since we are viewed as risen with Christ, where should we set our affections (or, our minds)? __________ Colossians 3:___

2. What comes on the children of disobedience? __________ Colossians 3:___

3. If you are a believer, you are the elect of God. Name three things you should put on. __________ Colossians 3:___

4. When the Word of Christ dwells in us richly, we are able to teach one another through three types of singing. What are they? __________ Colossians 3:___

5. Who do we serve and who will give us a reward? __________ Colossians 3:___

Colossians 4

Paul knows there are difficulties in the Christian life, and he encourages us to communicate with the Lord. Don’t stop praying. We expect the Lord Jesus to come back to take the believers to heaven very soon. Thank the Lord every day for His care and promises while we watch and wait for His coming. Remember to pray for those who preach the gospel because Satan does not like the gospel and he will cause problems for the gospel preachers. Walk in wisdom when you are with unbelievers. They hear you say you are a Christian, but they will watch what you do. If you do bad things or say bad words, the unbeliever will think that you are no different from them. They will think that Christianity is false and they will not believe on the Lord Jesus. Redeeming the time means to use your time to share the gospel with others when you have the opportunity. To speak with grace is to use soft words that do not offend and to be humble and be like Christ. If we joke or become angry, we will not have good answers that people will listen to. They won’t believe us. Speaking with salt means to use plain and honest words so the true message is easy to understand. Paul tells us about some of his friends who also served the Lord Jesus. Then Paul sends them his personal greetings and tells them to remember that he was in bonds because he was in prison. Being in prison cannot stop the spread of the gospel. Serve the Lord wherever you are.

1. When we pray, we should watch with __________ for the answers to our prayers. Colossians 4:___

2. How should we walk when we are with unbelievers? __________ Colossians 4:___

3. Describe how we should speak when we answer people’s questions. __________ Colossians 4:___

4. Which one of Paul’s dear friends was a doctor, who wrote the Book of Acts? __________ Colossians 4:___

5. As Paul signed his name to the letter, he reminds them to remember his __________. Colossians 4:___

1 Thessalonians 1

We find Paul preaching in the city of Thessalonica in Acts 17. We think he was only with them for three weeks before he was chased out of the city for teaching the Word of God. During Paul’s visit he taught them much doctrine. Now he writes to encourage the Christians there. Silvanus (Silas) and Timotheus (Timothy) joined Paul in sending their greetings. These three men gave thanks to God when they thought about these people. These Christians believed the gospel and they had faith to practice what they believed. They loved and cared for one another while they waited for the Lord to return and take them to heaven at any time. Are you waiting for Jesus? The believers of Thessalonica were sure that God had chosen them for this blessing. They were encouraged by following the good example of Paul and his friends. Christian friends that help us in our Christian life are good to have. The Thessalonian believers had joy and they continued to be strong Christians, even when the enemies of the gospel were persecuting them. The Christians in Macedonia and Achaia were impressed by this example of faith in Jesus. These believers had courage to stop following the way of the dead idols to serve the living and true God.

1. Paul gave thanks to God __________ for them __________ (the Thessalonian believers). 1 Thessalonians 1:___

2. Paul remembered three things that marked these believers. What are they? __________ 1 Thessalonians 1:___

3. What did the believers receive with joy even though they suffered affliction or persecution because of it? __________ 1 Thessalonians 1:___

4. What did these believers do after they turned to God from idols? __________ 1 Thessalonians 1:___

5. Not everyone will go to heaven. Who can deliver you from the wrath of God? __________ 1 Thessalonians 1:___

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul tells how he and his friends were mistreated for preaching the gospel but they continued to preach anyway. Paul explained how honest and godly he and his friends were as examples for the Christians in Thessalonica to follow. Paul and his friends wanted the new Christians to walk worthy of God who had called them to be saved. Paul then praises them for following the churches of God from Judea which are in Christ Jesus. Judea was where the church was first established and all other new assemblies were in fellowship with the churches in Judea because all believers are part of one body. They did not start independent churches, but they were obedient to keep this unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Paul had tried to visit them a second time but Satan hindered him from coming to them. The Christians in Thessalonica received the gospel and were then persecuted by their own countrymen. Their faithfulness to God brought joy to Paul and his friends.

1. When Paul taught these Christians, he was as gentle as a __________. 1 Thessalonians 2:___

2. We should walk worthy of God, because He has called us to His __________ and __________. 1 Thessalonians 2:___

3. The Christians here did not start their own independent church. They were followers of and in fellowship with the churches which God had first started in __________. 1 Thessalonians 2:___

4. Who hindered Paul from coming to visit the Thessalonians a second time? __________ 1 Thessalonians 2:___

5. What four expressions does Paul use to describe the blessing and encouragement these Thessalonian believers were to him, both then and at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? __________ 1 Thessalonians 2:___

1 Thessalonians 3

As Christians, we have no promise of an easy life. Someday we might have to suffer like the Thessalonians who were appointed to afflictions because of their faith in the Lord Jesus. They were troubled by persecutions, so Paul sent Timothy to visit them. Paul and Timothy were comforted by the faith of these Christians, who had recently been saved. Even though these Christians were persecuted for the Lord Jesus, they could stand fast in the Lord. Standing fast means to be a strong Christian.

Paul’s prayer is that the Christians would increase and abound in love toward one another. To love our fellow-believers is evidence that we are children of God. Our love for one another will be rewarded any day now. The Lord Jesus will come to take the believers to heaven to be with Him forever. About seven years later, our Lord Jesus will return to reign as king over the earth for 1000 years. At this time, all the saints will be with Him and God’s work of holiness in our hearts will be shown to all the world.

1. As Christians, we should expect to suffer __________ in this world. 1 Thessalonians 3:___

2. Paul was comforted by the __________ of the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 3:___

3. Paul was happy that these Christians could stand fast in __________ even when they were persecuted for Jesus’ sake. 1 Thessalonians 3:___

4. What are the Christians told to increase and abound in toward one another? __________ 1 Thessalonians 3:___

5. Who will come with Jesus when He comes to reign over the earth for 1000 years? __________ 1 Thessalonians 3:___

1 Thessalonians 4

Paul’s desire is that Christians would grow more and more to have a life that is pleasing to God. Under grace, God gives us commandments that shape and direct our new life in a way that will be pleasing to God. First, we have a call to holiness to keep our bodies sexually clean. We should be careful how someone else touches our bodies. The Bible says to keep yourself pure. Second, we are told to “love one another.” Third, we should be diligent in our chores and work hard at our jobs. Fourth, we are reminded that at any moment the Lord Jesus will come down from heaven for the believers. We will hear three things: (1) The Lord will shout to us. We do not know what He will say, but He will be happy. (2) We will hear the voice of the archangel. (3) We will hear the trumpet of God. Then the dead believers will rise out of their graves and in the twinkling of an eye our bodies will be changed to a body suitable for the glory of heaven. All believers will go up together to meet the Lord in the air. While we wait for the Lord to come, our behavior should be holy. If I knew the Lord Jesus was coming to see me sometime today, how would I behave? I should always be expecting Him to come at any moment. We can comfort one another with the hope of knowing that the believers who have died will also be with the Lord Jesus.

1. God has called us to __________, not __________. 1 Thessalonians 4:___

2. What are we taught of God to do? __________ 1 Thessalonians 4:___

3. How should we walk towards those who are without salvation? __________ 1 Thessalonians 4:___

4. We will hear three things when the Lord comes for the believers: a shout, a voice and __________. 1 Thessalonians 4:___

5. These words of promise regarding the Lord’s coming should __________ each one of us who believe in Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:___

1 Thessalonians 5

When the Bible speaks about the day of the Lord, it is a day of fear for the unbelievers. Believers are children of the light. Unbelievers are in the dark. The day of the Lord is coming like a thief in the night to punish those who live in sin and the darkness of unbelief. Christians should not be spiritually asleep. We should watch and expect the Lord Jesus to come at any moment. Until the Lord comes for us, we can live by faith in God, we can love other Christians and we can know by our hope that Christ is coming very soon. Jesus will take believers out of this world before the wrath of God destroys unbelievers and sends them into hell.

It is important to know which brothers in the assembly teach the Word of God and take the lead in the assembly. They do this work for the Lord. We must appreciate them very much for doing this work. If we listen to them, it will help us to be at peace with everyone in the assembly. There are many little things a Christian can do: rejoice, pray, and be thankful for everything all the time. Another verse says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” This means not to do anything that looks bad to others. We should keep ourselves pure in spirit, soul and body so we are ready for Jesus to come. Remember to pray for the people who serve the Lord. You can serve the Lord too.

1. Believers know the day of the Lord will come like a __________ for the unbeliever. 1 Thessalonians 5:___

2. God has appointed the believer to obtain (or, have) __________ by our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:___

3. How often should a believer rejoice and be happy? __________ 1 Thessalonians 5:___

4. In always doing what is good, we should avoid even the appearance of __________. 1 Thessalonians 5:___

5. What three parts of our being does Paul desire to be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? __________ 1 Thessalonians 5:___

2 Thessalonians 1

Paul talks about the grace and peace from God that is for all Christians. The men of the world gave these Christians trouble because they loved the Lord Jesus and followed Him. Paul thanks God for their faith and for the love and care they had for one another while they suffered persecution. Why does God allow people to do bad things to us? God is patient with the wicked now, but not for long. Very soon, Jesus is coming to take us to heaven. Then when the Lord Jesus will appear back on earth, He will turn trouble around. He will give trouble to the people who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel. Sinners will suffer trouble in hell while Christians will enjoy peace and rest in heaven with the Lord Jesus. When this happens, the Lord Jesus Christ will receive much glory and He will be admired in all them that believe. When wicked people do bad things to Christians, they are really persecuting the Lord Jesus. Jesus will be glorified when He sends these wicked people to an everlasting hell. Don’t wait until heaven to give glory to the Lord Jesus. The Apostle prays that we Christians would give glory to the name of the Lord Jesus now by living a life of faith with power here on earth.

1. Paul talks about grace and __________ from God that is for all Christians. 2 Thessalonians 1:___

2. These Christians had patience and __________ as they suffered persecution and trouble. 2 Thessalonians 1:___

3. What righteous recompense will God give to those who were troubling the Thessalonians? __________ 2 Thessalonians 1:___

4. For what two reasons will God show His vengeance in flaming fire? __________ 2 Thessalonians 1:___

5. How long is the punishment of the wicked sinners who do bad things to Christians? __________ 2 Thessalonians 1:___

2 Thessalonians 2

Jesus is coming soon to gather together the Christians who know Him as Lord and Savior. Then God will begin to judge the world which hates the Savior. The day of the Lord begins with these seven years of judgments. The Thessalonian Christians thought the day of the Lord had already come because they were suffering great persecution. The Spirit of God will only let the wicked do some bad things and only for a little while until the Lord will gather together the Christians to heaven. Then the Spirit of God will be taken out of the way and the “man of sin,” or “the wicked,” will be revealed to the world. This is the Antichrist. He is a very bad man. He will do miracles through the power of Satan and people will think he is God. People will pray to him, but he is not God. If you have heard the gospel but refused to admit you are a sinner and you have not believed on the Lord Jesus, you will believe the lies of the devil. You and all unbelievers and the Antichrist will be damned to eternal hell. So you better get saved right now, because after the Lord comes, you will not have a second chance to be saved. The Christians will not be on earth during this tribulation time and they will not be judged with the Antichrist nor damned with the unbelievers. Paul thanks the Lord that God chose some to be saved. He tells us to “stand fast.” This means to be strong or be firm and hold on to the truth that you have been taught. This will establish us to serve the Lord in every good word and work.

1. Who is coming to gather together the believers unto Himself? __________ 2 Thessalonians 2:___

2. Who energizes the man of sin — the Wicked, the Antichrist — with all power, signs and lying wonders? __________ 2 Thessalonians 2:___

3. If a person refuses to admit he is a sinner and does not believe on the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior, what will God force him, by strong delusion, to believe? __________ 2 Thessalonians 2:___

4. God calls us by the gospel so that we might obtain __________. 2 Thessalonians 2:___

5. Paul prays that the Lord Jesus will establish us to serve Him in every good __________ and __________. 2 Thessalonians 2:___

2 Thessalonians 3

We can pray for the spread of the gospel and for safety for those who preach it. Not all men are faithful, but the Lord Jesus is faithful and He will keep us from the power and evil of Satan. We should use the love of God to care for others while we patiently wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 7 says it is necessary for you to follow us; that means you should follow the teachings of the apostles. In today’s churches, many people have given up practicing the apostles’ doctrine.

Some people did not go to work at their job. This was wrong. They became busybodies who talked about what everybody else was doing. They expected the church to support them. Lazy Christians who will not work should not be supported by the church.

Avoid being with people who talk badly about others. We want them to stop doing this and to speak good things. Do not be discouraged by the lazy people in the church and those who speak badly of others. Continue in well-doing. Well-doing is using energy to do the right thing. We should do good and help those who are truly in need.

Paul continued to preach the Word of God. He also had a small business to support himself so he would be an example to these Christians. Paul prays that there would be peace between people in the assembly. Paul wanted them to enjoy the presence of the Lord and to have grace with one another.

1. We will be established and kept from evil because the Lord is __________. 2 Thessalonians 3:___

2. Who should we be patiently waiting for? __________ 2 Thessalonians 3:___

3. Paul and his friends worked to support themselves so that these Thessalonian believers would __________ their good example. 2 Thessalonians 3:___

4. “Weary” means to get tired and stop. What should we not be weary in? __________ 2 Thessalonians 3:___

5. The writer of this letter signed it with his own hand. Who was this letter from? __________ 2 Thessalonians 3:___

1 Timothy 1

Paul calls Timothy “my own son in the faith” because Timothy had learned to trust Jesus through Paul. He tells Timothy to stay in the city of Ephesus and make sure that no other doctrine was taught except the truth he had learned from Paul.

Charity is God’s love that flows into you and then goes out to other people when you are saved and your faith in God is real. The glorious gospel that was given to Paul to preach is: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. You should respond to this good news and believe on the Lord Jesus to receive everlasting life.

The gospel is “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (verse 11). Paul was profoundly grateful that God through Christ Jesus had come into the world to save sinners such as himself. He was the object of God’s grace, mercy and long-suffering. He and others were believing on the Savior and receiving eternal life. His heart breaks forth into words of praise for God, the King eternal. God is the supreme King of all ages. He is unchanging in perfection, and unlike others, His ruling over men and angels is without corruption or injustice. As God, He is invisible, but in Christ Jesus all men will see Him rule in majesty and human glory. So in a burst of praise and worship to the one and only God, he exclaims, “[To Him] be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

The Christian life requires faithfulness to God and a good conscience so we will not live in a way that goes against the truth that Paul and Timothy taught.

1. Paul called Timothy “my own __________ in the faith.” 1 Timothy 1:___

2. Charity (or love) is the result of a __________, a good conscience and true faith. 1 Timothy 1:___

3. What responsibility was committed or entrusted to Paul? __________ 1 Timothy 1:___

4. Did Jesus come into the world to save good people or sinners? __________ 1 Timothy 1:___

5. Who is the King eternal? __________ 1 Timothy 1:___

1 Timothy 2

Unbelievers are killing and hurting believers in many countries. We should not pray for the death of the bad people who hurt Christians, but we should pray that the bad people will be saved. We should pray for the governments so they would allow Christians to meet and worship the Lord Jesus. Pray for the people who hear the gospel because God wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. The only way for a sinner to come to God and be saved is through the Man Christ Jesus who died for our sins.

We have teaching in this chapter how Christians should behave and dress in public meetings. Because the man was created first, God gave him the job of speaking and praying aloud in the public meetings. Men need to keep themselves pure and not do bad things or say bad words about others so they can pray with holy hands and not dishonor the Lord Jesus.

Women need to be careful that the clothes they wear and their hairstyles do not bring attention to themselves, which would distract others from worshipping the Lord Jesus. Instead of speaking or praying aloud in public meetings, God has given the woman the job of raising children to love and serve the Lord. This job is a great honor in the church. The women are blessed when their children grow up and continue in faith, love and holiness. God wants godly men and women to worship and give glory to the Lord Jesus.

1. Who should we pray for so we can have a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty? __________ 1 Timothy 2:___

2. A person should come to the knowledge of the __________ after they are saved. 1 Timothy 2:___

3. Jesus is God, and He is also __________. 1 Timothy 2:___

4. Who should pray everywhere? __________ 1 Timothy 2:___

5. What kind of works should a woman do? __________ 1 Timothy 2:___

1 Timothy 3

Now we learn about the standards for behavior of men who will take the lead in the assembly. The Spirit of God would like to find this behavior in all men. God has only one standard for men. The way you act as a young person prepares you for what you will be as an adult. If you live according to these standards as a young person, you will be prepared for God to use you as an adult. God wants you to be blameless. Don’t do bad things that give you a bad reputation. A man should have only one wife and he should be kind to her and honor her so the children will learn to respect their parents. Children should be subject with all gravity. This means children should be taught to be obedient and respect their parents. A man who raises his family well can be used by God to care for the people in the church.

Every godly man needs a godly wife, so God also gives the girls guidelines for behavior so when they become adults they can help their husbands and be useful to the Lord. In verse 11, wives should be grave or honest, so girls should learn not to slander or speak badly about other girls. You should be sober to make wise choices and be faithful in all things so people will trust what you say.

We all need to know how to behave in the house of God. If you are saved, you are in the house of God. The mystery of godliness is the truth about the Person and work of the Lord Jesus, who glorified God in every aspect of His life.

1. How many wives should a man have? __________ 1 Timothy 3:___

2. Who does God want to live in subjection with all gravity (obedient and respectful)? __________ 1 Timothy 3:___

3. Name two things that should characterize wives. __________ 1 Timothy 3:___

4. What two things do deacons who serve well receive? __________ 1 Timothy 3:___

5. What is the house of God? __________ 1 Timothy 3:___

1 Timothy 4

Some people in the church whom the apostles thought were believers started to teach bad doctrines. They told lies. They made rules that do not agree with Scripture, saying you should not eat meat. But God created animals for food, and He says we should pray before we eat and give thanks to God for His provision of food. The food is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer, so the food is acceptable for us to eat. This is why we give thanks for food before we eat it.

Get your instructions for godly living from the Word of God. There is benefit to exercising the body, but we will eventually die anyway. It is more important to have godliness because our spiritual life will live forever.

Even when you are young, you should not act foolishly or be immature. You should act in a way that would let people know that you are a Christian. You can witness to others with words, but they should also see the love you have for others and the way you treat other people. It is important for others to see you have a pure life that does not drink, smoke, do drugs, fight, lie, cheat on tests or steal and that you have the faith to defend what you believe. It is important to attend meetings where the Bible is read and explained. Then we need to meditate or think about the things we are taught and apply them to our own life and practice them.

1. What is seared with a hot iron that makes a hypocrite tell lies? __________ 1 Timothy 4:___

2. What should food be received with? __________ 1 Timothy 4:___

3. What promises us profit or benefit in this life and in our life after the Lord Jesus comes? __________ 1 Timothy 4:___

4. Even though we are young, we can still be an example of the __________. 1 Timothy 4:___

5. Paul encouraged Timothy to __________ on the things he wrote him and give himself __________ to them so that his __________ would be apparent to all. 1 Timothy 4:___

1 Timothy 5

We must learn how to behave towards other people. Godly older men and women should be respected like a father or mother. The young man Timothy should treat young women with all purity. We all should remember to keep our behavior pure.

Piety is kindness that children show to their parents when they are old. To requite your parents means to give back to your parents what they gave to you. Your parents fed and clothed you and cared for you. When your parents get old or have poor health, you may need to provide a place in your home where they can live with you so you can care for them.

A lady whose husband has died is a widow. If an older widow is in the assembly and has no children to support her, but she has done many good works, raised children, had many guests in her home, and helped the sick, the Bible says she is a widow indeed. That means that because she has been a big help to the people of God, the church should assist her with money.

Responsible men who study the Word of God and teach in the assembly meetings should be given honor. If an elder does a bad sin and there are two or three witnesses, he should be publicly scolded so others would fear to sin against God.

Paul told Timothy to get to know a person before laying hands on him to give him responsibility in the assembly. Get to know a person before becoming friends so you will not choose bad friends and become associated with their sins. God says we should keep ourselves pure.

1. Who in the assembly should we treat kindly like a father? __________ 1 Timothy 5:___

2. What should young men treat young women with? __________ 1 Timothy 5:___

3. What should we give to an elder who rules well in the assembly? __________ 1 Timothy 5:___

4. How many witnesses should there be to accuse an elder in the assembly? __________ 1 Timothy 5:___

5. How does God want us to keep ourselves, in avoiding other people’s sins? __________ 1 Timothy 5:___

1 Timothy 6

Christian servants or employees should respect their bosses and obey them so that the name of God and His doctrine of the Bible are not blasphemed. To blaspheme is to speak badly about God and His teachings.

In verses 3-5, Paul warns against listening to teachers who disagree and argue about the meaning of words, mix up doctrines and teach a “prosperity gospel” that if you are good you will be successful. But God says godliness with contentment is much better to get than money. When we were born, we had nothing, and when we die, we can take nothing with us into heaven or hell.

Instead of loving money and trying to be rich in this world, we should be content with food and raiment. Raiment includes clothing and a house to live in. If you love money, you will be tempted to cheat other people, tell lies and do many other bad things to get rich. You will forget about following the Lord and you will have more worries and problems in life. Paul advises us to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness. God wants us to be rich in good works, give to those in need and be willing to share what we have with others.

Evolution is an example of false science, as it is opposed to both the truth of creation and the fact that God the Creator maintains the universe by His word of power.

1. Christian servants should respect and obey their bosses so that God and His doctrine are not __________. 1 Timothy 6:___

2. __________ with __________ is great __________. 1 Timothy 6:___

3. We should be able to be content if we have what two simple things? __________ 1 Timothy 6:___

4. Since we should not try to get riches, what six things should we follow? __________ 1 Timothy 6:___

5. Evolution is opposed to the truth of creation. God calls it false __________. 1 Timothy 6:___

2 Timothy 1

Paul calls Timothy “my dearly beloved son.” Paul thanks God for the memories he had of the faithful young man Timothy. Paul prayed night and day for Timothy. It is good for us to pray for one another.

Timothy first learned about living for Christ from his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. We need to listen to our mothers and grandmothers when they tell us about the Lord Jesus. Timothy really had faith in God; he did not just pretend. God has not given us Christians the spirit of fear, but God has given us the spirit of power to live like a Christian, love to show God’s love to others, and a sound mind to understand God’s will.

We should not be ashamed of telling other people about the Lord Jesus, because He is the One who saved us by His grace. Jesus died and rose again, and through His death He brought us life. We heard this message when someone told us the gospel. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus. We know Jesus, and we believe He will keep us saved until the day He comes to take us to heaven. Commit your life to Him.

The form of sound words is an outline of truth we have so we know how to live like a Christian and how to worship according to the Word of God. Phygellus and his friend Hermogenes decided that they would not follow the Apostle Paul’s teachings. All the Christians in Asia turned away from Paul to disobey the Word of God. We need to be faithful and hold fast to believe and practice the truth taught by Paul.

1. Who did Paul call his dearly beloved son? __________ 2 Timothy 1:___

2. What was the name of the mother of Timothy? __________ 2 Timothy 1:___

3. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but what three things has God given to us to be bold Christians? __________ 2 Timothy 1:___

4. What three things was Paul appointed to be for the Gentiles? __________ 2 Timothy 1:___

5. What do we need to do with the form of sound words (which is an outline of truth)? __________ 2 Timothy 1:___

2 Timothy 2

Timothy was taught many things by Paul. Paul then told Timothy to share those same teachings with other faithful men who would teach others also. This is why God wants you always to be at the Bible meetings. You can learn the ways of God from faithful brothers who have studied the Word of God.

Paul compares a Christian to three different occupations — a soldier, an athlete striving for masteries and a husbandman or farmer. An athlete works hard; he gives up certain pleasures to spend time in training. He practices every day and concentrates on his goal of the reward at the end. He is not using steroids or cheating in other ways to gain an advantage over others. He competes within the regulations. As a Christian, you should devote your life to following the Lord Jesus according to His Word, and the Lord will give you understanding for all things.

The seed of a person is one of their descendants. The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the seed of David, was raised from the dead and is alive today in heaven. Paul suffered persecution because he preached the gospel of Jesus. If we are faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we will also suffer because people in this world still hate Jesus. But if we suffer, we will also reign with the Lord Jesus when He takes His place as king over the earth.

We should avoid people who practice sin, and we should stay away from sin in our own life. Instead, we need to follow righteousness, faith, charity and peace with other Christians who also call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1. What kind of men should be able to teach others? __________ 2 Timothy 2:___

2. Who is going to give the believer understanding in all things? __________ 2 Timothy 2:___

3. Who was from the seed of David and rose from among the dead? __________ 2 Timothy 2:___

4. If we suffer for Christ now, what is assured us in the future? __________ 2 Timothy 2:___

5. What kind of heart should accompany righteousness, faith, charity and peace in those who call on the Lord? __________ 2 Timothy 2:___

2 Timothy 3

The first seven verses sound as if they are speaking about unbelievers who have never heard the gospel, but no, these verses could be about people brought up in Christian homes. They say they are Christians, they know verses, and they know how a Christian should behave, but they are never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. These are perilous days, which means dangerous days for true Christian believers because you might have some friends who pretend to be Christians. Friends who pretend to be Christians can be dangerous as they may seem to be good people but could pressure you to do bad things. You may think it is okay because they are your friends. If you live a godly life in Christ Jesus, you will be persecuted by the world that hates the Savior. If you desire to follow the Lord Jesus, you may also suffer rejection from your friend, who you thought was a Christian.

We are encouraged to continue in the things we learn, as children, from the holy Scriptures. All the Scriptures in the Bible have been inspired by God. That means God told certain men exactly what to write to us in the Bible. The Word of God tells us we can only be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. After we are saved, the Bible is used to guide and correct us. The Bible teaches us to be perfect, and it furnishes or prepares us to do good works.

1. Which days will be perilous or dangerous times for true Christian believers? __________ 2 Timothy 3:___

2. Pretending Christians are ever learning, but they are never able to come to __________. 2 Timothy 3:___

3. What will you suffer if you live a godly life in Christ Jesus? __________ 2 Timothy 3:___

4. Having learned the truth from godly parents or other Christians, we need to __________ in those very things that we have learned and been assured of. 2 Timothy 3:___

5. We are not saved by being raised in a Christian home, but by the holy __________ through __________ which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:___

2 Timothy 4

The Apostle Paul told Timothy to be instant or ready to preach the Word of God and to do the work of an evangelist. We can all be evangelists and tell others that the Lord Jesus is the Savior of sinners.

Paul was close to the end of his life, so he says he would soon depart from this world because he knew he was going to be put to death. Paul had confidence that he would be happy after death. He did not waste his life doing selfish things. Paul had fought a good fight of faith in service for the Lord, and he knew he was going to receive a reward — a crown of righteousness. If you love the appearing of the Lord Jesus, when He comes with His saints to reign in His glory as king over all the earth, you also will receive a crown of righteousness.

Paul asks Timothy to come and see him soon. Paul was in prison, so he needed others to help him in his service for the Lord. Demas had helped Paul, but he deserted Paul to enjoy the pleasure of the world. Only Luke remained, so Paul wanted Timothy to bring Mark to help in the ministry.

Timothy was asked to bring the books and the parchments. Parchment is a thin material made from animal skin. It is used for the pages in a book. They used to write books on parchment. Paul was busy in prison reading and writing. He wrote some of the books of the Bible while he was in prison.

1. Telling others about the Lord Jesus is doing the work of an __________. 2 Timothy 4:___

2. What did Paul say was at hand when he knew he was going to be killed? __________ 2 Timothy 4:___

3. Who did Paul tell Timothy to bring with him to help him in ministry? __________ 2 Timothy 4:___

4. What did Paul especially want Timothy to bring him, along with the books? __________ 2 Timothy 4:___

5. Paul encouraged Timothy to use diligence to come to him before __________. 2 Timothy 4:___

Titus 1

The believer already has eternal life now. In times past, people of faith looked in hope for eternal life. Now we have it and we know we have it. You know you are saved. You know you will never perish. You know God cannot lie. You have peace with God.

Paul calls Titus his son in the faith because he was saved through Paul preaching the gospel. Paul continues here to teach Titus the Word of God. Previously, Titus had travelled with Paul. On one trip, Paul left Titus in Crete to ordain two or more elders in the assembly and teach the Christians more of Paul’s teaching because Paul had little time to spend there. The elders were responsible to teach the Word of God and to oversee and care for the Christians in the assembly.

The elders were important to the assembly, so Paul told Titus what to look for when he chose the elders. One thing was that his children must be faithful. This means parents should teach the Word of God in the home and discipline their children to act like Christians.

An elder should also hold fast to the Word of God and defend its teaching because some people argue against the Bible and try to change its meaning. Paul told Titus to rebuke these bad teachers and to correct their bad teaching so the Christians could be sound in the faith. That means we need to have a true understanding of God’s Word so we would make no errors in living to please the Lord.

1. What is something that God cannot do? __________ Titus 1:___

2. Who did Paul call his own son after the common faith? __________ Titus 1:___

3. What kind of children should an elder have? __________ Titus 1:___

4. What should an elder hold fast to, just as he had been taught? __________ Titus 1:___

5. What did Paul tell Titus to do to the bad teachers so the Christians could be sound in their faith? __________ Titus 1:___

Titus 2

Sound doctrine is true Bible teaching. The teachers were mixing Christian teaching with Jewish ideas. It was like mixing fresh food with old food gone bad. Paul told Titus to speak sound doctrine so the Christians would become spiritually healthy. All Christians, old or young, servants or employees, need to have godly lives so they can be a spiritual help to one another in Christian living. We need to read the Bible and listen to the Word of God when it is being taught, so we can learn. After learning the truth of God, we should practice what we have learned. If you want others to listen to you when you speak about the Lord, you need to live like a Christian. In Titus 2:10, to “adorn the doctrine” means to believe and practice what you have learned.

We cannot earn our salvation. Salvation is a gift that is brought to us by the grace of God. The same grace of God also teaches us to live godly, holy lives without mixing Christianity with the music, pleasures, desires and ideas of the world.

The Christian has two things he is looking forward to: first — the blessed hope when Christ will come as the bridegroom to take the believers to heaven; second — the glorious appearing when Christ will come back as king, with the believers, to reign over the earth.

Jesus suffered and died to redeem us and set us free from the penalty of sin. He purified for Himself a people with clean hearts who are zealous, or eager, to do good works.

1. Who should the young women be taught to love? __________ Titus 2:___

2. Who was told to be sober-minded? __________ Titus 2:___

3. What does the grace of God bring? __________ Titus 2:___

4. When Christ comes to take the believers to heaven is called that blessed __________ and the glorious __________ of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:___

5. What should believers be zealous of? __________ Titus 2:___

Titus 3

Titus was teaching the Christians always to be ready to have good behavior towards the people in the world. We need to obey all authorities, including policemen. God gives them authority over us. We need to be careful not to say bad things about other people and argue or fight. Christian believers should be gentle and meek to all men. Before we were saved, we were sometimes foolish, disobedient and jealous. We even hated certain people. But then God showed His love and kindness to us so He could save us from our sin. We were so bad inside that we could not save ourselves by doing good works of righteousness. God saved us by His mercy through Jesus Christ our Savior. He justified us by His grace to take away our sin and guilt. Now we have the hope of eternal life. This means you can know you are saved. You are guaranteed you will go to heaven if you have eternal life.

If you have believed in God, you have a new life that has been created to do good works. Read your Bible, pray and behave so your works will honor the Lord Jesus. In this way other people will see that there is a difference between you and the unbelievers. Your good works together with telling your friends about the Lord Jesus might be used to help a person be saved. Your good works might also encourage another believer to honor the Lord with their life. If your life is bad works, you will dishonor God and no one will listen to your words.

1. What should believers be ready to do? __________ Titus 3:___

2. To whom should believers be gentle and show meekness? __________ Titus 3:___

3. What appeared towards man? __________ Titus 3:___

4. What have we been justified by so we could receive the hope of eternal life? __________ Titus 3:___

5. What should believers learn to maintain so they are not unfruitful? __________ Titus 3:___

Philemon 1

Onesimus worked for his Christian master Philemon. He was not an employee; he was a slave. Philemon owned him, and Onesimus had no rights of his own. He could not ask questions. Onesimus had to do whatever Philemon told him to do. Paul calls Philemon a fellow-laborer because he was a Christian who loved and served the Lord faithfully. The assembly meetings were in the house of Philemon.

One day Onesimus decided to run away from his master and probably stole a few things to take with him. He went to the big city of Rome. Somehow he met a prisoner named Paul. Paul must have told Onesimus he was a sinner who needed to repent from his sin and believe on the Lord Jesus to be saved. Onesimus listened to Paul and asked the Lord Jesus to save him. Paul wanted to keep Onesimus to help preach the gospel, but he belonged to Philemon, so Paul sent the slave Onesimus back to his master with this letter. He asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and Paul offered to pay Philemon for anything Onesimus stole from him. Onesimus was now in the family of God, and he was a brother beloved to Paul and to Philemon.

What about you? Will you become a servant of the Lord Jesus? An unbeliever is a slave to sin. Jesus paid the price to buy you with His precious blood. A believer saved by grace has all the rights of a son of God. Believe on the Lord Jesus and enjoy your freedom from the slavery of sin. As believers, we are slaves for Jesus. We belong to Him and can have joy serving our Savior.

1. Who was a fellow-laborer along with Paul and Timothy? __________ Philemon 1:___

2. What did Philemon demonstrate first towards the Lord Jesus and also towards all the saints? __________ Philemon 1:___

3. What was the name of the slave who Paul called “my son”? __________ Philemon 1:___

4. Paul told Philemon that he could now receive Onesimus back, not as a servant, but as __________. Philemon 1:___

5. Paul had confidence in Philemon’s __________. Philemon 1:___

Hebrews 1

In the days of the Old Testament, God spoke to people by His prophets. Then God Himself spoke directly to us in the Person of the Son. God made everything that exists by His Son. The Son of God became a man they named Jesus. With His life, Jesus showed to us exactly who God is. Jesus created the heavens and the earth and keeps the universe and everything in it maintained.

Jesus was punished by God to take away sin, and then His death finished the work for salvation. After that, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The Son of God left the glory of heaven and became lower than the angels to become a man. But He did not give up His glory of being the Son of God. The angels were still told to worship Jesus.

The relationship between God the Father and God the Son did not change. In verse 8 God calls the Son, “O God.” So we see that the Son is God. He is anointed and given a place of importance and glory above us, His fellows. God has given us to Him for His companions. This Person, the Creator and the Messiah King, is fully revealed as the eternal God.

Everything in this world will perish or be destroyed. The heavens and the earth will change and get old and will come to an end. But the Son of God remains. He is the same. He will not change, and He will never fail.

Jesus, the Son, is superior to the angels because He is God. None of the angels have ever been told to sit at the right hand of God. The angels are the ministers or servants of God.

1. By whom did God speak to us in the last days? __________ Hebrews 1:___

2. Jesus is the first begotten. What were the angels of God told to do to Him? __________ Hebrews 1:___

3. To whom was God speaking when He said, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever”? __________ Hebrews 1:___

4. What did the Lord lay the foundation of in the beginning? __________ Hebrews 1:___

5. Of the Son we are told, “Thou remainest,” compared to the heavens and earth, of which we are told that they will __________. Hebrews 1:___

Hebrews 2

Listen to the warning God gives us. The law, spoken by angels, tells people what they must do. Nobody can keep God’s law, so all must be punished. But God has provided a gospel of great salvation. God tells us what He has done so people can escape the punishment for disobeying the law. If you neglect and refuse this great salvation, you will find yourself in big trouble with God. The gospel of great salvation was preached by the disciples. Many miracles were done. All of this was to show that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life; He is the great salvation.

The angels do not have authority over the world. The Lord Jesus was made a little lower than the angels. He became a man, so that He could suffer in death to show us the grace and love of God. The Man Christ Jesus is now crowned with glory and honor. Soon, He will be king for 1000 years with the highest authority and power over creation.

Christ is a sanctified person, for He is set apart for God and holy. We by faith have received the gift of eternal life, a holy life, and are set apart for God. Satan and others tempted Him, but His holy, sinless nature never wanted to sin. You and I struggle with temptations from others. We also struggle from within our hearts because of our old, sinful nature. When we give in to temptation and the struggle stops, we fall into sin. But it is a struggle when we resist temptation to sin. The Lord Jesus will help you in your struggle to resist sin.

1. Which things should we listen to and give the more earnest heed to? __________ Hebrews 2:___

2. The word spoken by angels (the law) was steadfast (absolutely sure), and every disobedience received __________. Hebrews 2:___

3. What will we not be able to do if we neglect so great salvation? __________ Hebrews 2:___

4. By the grace of God, what did Jesus taste for every man? __________ Hebrews 2:___

5. The Lord Jesus is able to succor or help us when we struggle with temptation to sin because He suffered when He was __________. Hebrews 2:___

Hebrews 3

The Apostle is Christ Jesus who was sent from God to us. The High Priest is also Christ Jesus when He goes to God for us. The word “house” in this chapter represents all things built by God. The house of God in Israel was a building where people went to worship God. Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house. The people of Israel called this house of God “the tabernacle.” Now the house of God is all living believers who are saved. This house is called the church. Christ is God’s Son with authority over His own house.

Only true believers will hold fast to the end. Fake Christians, who may go to Bible meetings but reject the gospel and “harden their hearts,” will not hold on to Christianity to the end. They will “err in their hearts” and not care what other people think about their sin. They will have an “evil heart of unbelief.” They hate Jesus. Why do people hate Jesus so much?

Many people of Israel hardened their hearts and rebelled against God. They refused to go into the land of Canaan that God promised to give them. God made those people wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation was dead. They did not believe there was safety and rest in the land God promised to give them. We believers are the church of God. Our rest is eternity in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Who is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession and faith? __________ Hebrews 3:___

2. Christ Jesus was counted worthy of more glory than __________. Hebrews 3:___

3. What kind of heart causes a person to depart from the living God? __________ Hebrews 3:___

4. How many years did God grieve over His people who sinned and died in the wilderness? __________ Hebrews 3:___

5. Why could God’s people not enter into their rest in the land of Canaan? __________ Hebrews 3:___

Hebrews 4

The Jews had promise of blessing in the land of Canaan. Because of unbelief, they refused to go into the promised land, so they did not have rest from their struggles. God made them wander in the desert until all but two adults had died. After 40 years, the others were permitted to go into the land.

The Jews still look forward to the day when they will have rest here on earth during the 1000-year reign of Christ. After that, the believing Jews will enter into an eternal rest in the new earth. The Christians also are given assurance of an eternal rest. We, the church, do not look for our rest and blessing on earth. Our rest is in heaven where we will be with Christ.

Whether Jew or Christian, we must each have faith in Christ in order to enter into the rest that remains for the people of God. A person might enjoy some of the Christian blessings now, but if he is not a true believer and he does not have faith, he will not enter into the rest that God has for all His people.

In verses 12-13 we have the Word of God which can search the thoughts and motives of our hearts to judge us and to correct us when we walk in a way that does not agree with the Word of God.

The throne of grace is where the Lord Jesus is. He is our High Priest in heaven to help us and to comfort us when we get into difficulties. We can go to Him anytime to receive kindness and find strength to help us in time of need.

1. On which day did God rest from all His works? __________ Hebrews 4:___

2. What was the reason that some people did not enter into the rest of God? __________ Hebrews 4:___

3. The Word of God is living (quick) and powerful; it is able to discern the __________ and __________ of the heart. Hebrews 4:___

4. Who is our High Priest in heaven, who can help us and comfort us when we get into difficulties? __________ Hebrews 4:___

5. What can we find to help us in our time of need? __________ Hebrews 4:___

Hebrews 5

This chapter compares Aaron and Jesus Christ as High Priest. Aaron was a man; Jesus is God. Aaron was a sinner; Jesus Christ could not sin. Aaron prayed to God and offered up the blood of the sacrifice of animals for sin. He did this first for himself and then for the people. Christ is now our High Priest. He does not have to offer a sacrifice of blood for Himself because He has no sin in Him. Christ became the sacrifice and offered Himself to God when He died on the cross for our sins.

God the Son had no beginning. Before He became a man, He was one with God the Father. When God the Son became the Man Christ Jesus, He willingly submitted Himself to God the Father. As a man on earth, Jesus experienced obedience.

Jesus was obedient to the Father’s will for Him to suffer for sin and to die on the cross. Jesus went through all the sorrows and temptations that all people could ever suffer. He knows what we suffer and He understands our temptations, so He can sympathize with us. Through His death and suffering for sins, Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who will obey Him. Obey here means to believe on the Lord Jesus.

A mother starts to feed her baby milk. As the baby grows bigger, he gets teeth so he can eat meat that he can chew. A new believer is like a baby. He starts on simple and easy teaching. As a believer learns more, he can understand more advanced teaching. From the Word of God we learn what is good and bad.

1. Aaron needed to offer sacrifices, not only for the sins of the people, but also for __________. Hebrews 5:___

2. Who called Aaron to be a priest? __________ Hebrews 5:___

3. What did Jesus, the Son of God, learn from the things which He suffered? __________ Hebrews 5:___

4. Jesus is the author of eternal __________ to all who obey and believe Him. Hebrews 5:___

5. Strong meat (meaning the teachings of the faith) is for those who have grown as Christians, who are mature and by experience can discern between __________ and __________. Hebrews 5:___

Hebrews 6

The principal doctrines of Christ are the first things we learn about Jesus. We learn Jesus is God. We are sinners who can do nothing to save ourselves. We need to be saved. We learn Jesus loves us, died for us, and took the punishment that we deserve because of our sins. Do you believe? Did you accept Jesus as your Savior? If you are saved, you need to learn to live for Christ. If we think we are saved but we continue doing bad things, we are rejecting the life of Christ. Many do not act like Christians because they do not repent. They are too interested in doing things that please themselves. God says it is impossible for you to be saved if you turn away from the truth of Christianity. You will be like a thorn bush that is thrown into the fire and burned. We need to be truly saved and act like a Christian. If you are saved and you live to please the Lord Jesus, God will not forget about you. He appreciates your work to serve the Lord just because you love Him.

God gave Abraham a promise. It is impossible for God to lie, so Abraham will definitely receive his blessing. God also made a promise to those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. It is the hope of His coming. This hope is sure and cannot fail. The Lord Jesus will take us to heaven very soon. He will not forget that you believed in the Lord Jesus and accepted Him as your Savior. He will take you to heaven to be with Him.

1. What good thing have we tasted? __________ Hebrews 6:___

2. If a person refuses the Lord Jesus, his end will be like the thorns and briers. What will that end be? __________ Hebrews 6:___

3. “Minister” means “to serve.” Who should a believer minister to? __________ Hebrews 6:___

4. What did Abraham obtain after he had patiently waited for many years? __________ Hebrews 6:___

5. Hope in the Bible is something that is really going to happen. Our hope is an anchor of the __________. Hebrews 6:___

Hebrews 7

Melchisedec was a man that lived during the time of Abraham. We are not told about his father or his mother or his birth. We do not know if he died or went straight to heaven without dying. He was the priest of the Most High God. Verse 3 says he remains a priest continually. Melchisedec reminds us of Jesus Christ.

One of the descendants of Abraham was Levi. The sons of Levi were the only ones who could be priests. A priest after the order of Melchisedec is more important than the priests of Levi. The priests of Levi were temporary and they are dead. Christ is a permanent priest and He is alive today. Also, a priest of Levi could not be a king, and a king could not be a priest. But Jesus is both a priest and a king like Melchisedec. The children of Israel paid tithes to the priests of Levi. Melchisedec was greater than the priests of Levi. Abraham, their grandfather, paid tithes to Melchisedec, and Melchisedec blessed Abraham. We read that the less is blessed of the better. The priests of Levi were sinners. Therefore they were first required to offer up a sacrifice for their own sins and then they were permitted to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. The many sacrifices of the priests of Levi could not save people. But Jesus Christ is a high priest who did not sin because He could not sin. Jesus is holy and separate from sinners. The one sacrifice of Jesus Christ the High Priest was needed to put away sin forever. The priests of Levi are all dead, but Jesus Christ our High Priest is alive. He saves believers completely forever. They will never go to hell.

1. The king of Salem blessed Abraham. Who was the king of Salem? __________ Hebrews 7:___

2. Which order is Jesus Christ a priest from? __________ Hebrews 7:___

3. Jesus is a better hope than the law because the law made nothing __________. Hebrews 7:___

4. Jesus the High Priest was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from __________ and made higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:___

5. How many times did Jesus Christ the High Priest have to offer Himself as a sacrifice? __________ Hebrews 7:___

Hebrews 8

During Old Testament times in the Bible, the nation of Israel needed priests to offer sacrifices to God. It was the law. We do not have priests to lead in the church now. Jesus is our High Priest, who offered Himself in death on the cross. He rose from the dead and now He is sitting at the right hand of God. Now, each of us believers is a priest. We can each offer the sacrifice of praise to God in the assembly and anytime. There were a lot of problems with the old covenant — the ten commandments. The reason was that the people could not keep it. That is why God came up with a second plan — or a new covenant for the nation of Israel. The new covenant is an agreement by which God will put His laws into their minds and hearts so they will know how to live on the earth. They won’t need someone to tell them what to do. They won’t even need a list of rules. They will know what to do because the will of God is in their hearts. Because of His death and His shed blood, Jesus can say He will not remember the sins of the nation of Israel. That is the new covenant that God has with Israel so they can be accepted to live with blessing on earth. God does not have a covenant with us who are Christians, because our blessing is to live in heaven with Christ. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us Christians from all of our sins too, so we can be accepted in Christ. Covenants are for the earth.

1. Where is our great High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, presently sitting? __________ Hebrews 8:___

2. The true tabernacle is all the believers together with God living inside them. Who pitched or built the true tabernacle? __________ Hebrews 8:___

3. The first covenant was an agreement to keep the ten commandments. Is the second covenant, of which Jesus is the mediator, better or worse than the first covenant? __________ Hebrews 8:___

4. If the first covenant had been faultless, would there have been the need of a second, new covenant? __________ Hebrews 8:___

5. What does God promise to remember no more? __________ Hebrews 8:___

Hebrews 9

Many years ago God lived among His people Israel. He lived in a fancy tent God called the tabernacle. The tabernacle had two rooms. One was the holy place where only the priests could go to perform certain duties. The second room was called the holiest of all where the presence of God was. Once a year, the high priest went alone into the holiest of all to carry the blood of the sacrifice into the presence of God. First he had to offer the blood for his own sin and then for the sin of all the people. The blood of the animal was brought as a symbol of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus who would die on the cross and shed His blood. The tabernacle and the sacrifices were only temporary symbols and practices that were used to teach us about God’s permanent plan of salvation. A testator is a person who writes his last will and testament. The person has to die before the heirs receive the blessing. For Israel, the animal had to die and the blood be shed before the sinner could receive forgiveness. The blood of the animals was a temporary solution because it did not cover future sin. If they sinned again, they needed the blood of the animal again. Christ made one offering for sin and His blood covers every sin — past, present and future — of the believer forever.

The blood of animals could not take away the guilt of a bad conscience. But we have eternal redemption through the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ is a permanent solution to give us peace. You can know that your sin is gone and you are forgiven. The tabernacle was temporary, but Christ is eternal.

1. What is the second room in the tabernacle called? __________ Hebrews 9:___

2. What did the high priest take with him into this second room once a year? __________ Hebrews 9:___

3. What needs to be shed in order for you to receive remission or forgiveness of sin? __________ Hebrews 9:___

4. What happens to men after they die? __________ Hebrews 9:___

5. How many times did Christ need to be offered in death to bear the sins of many? __________ Hebrews 9:___

Hebrews 10

When you stand with the sun to your back, you see a shadow of you on the ground. The shadow is not the real you, but it lets us know you are there. The commandments and the sacrifices of the law were shadows to show us that Jesus Christ is the real Savior of sinners.

The people who were keeping the law had to offer sacrifices every year because of their sin. The blood of animals in the sacrifices cannot take away sins. They were a shadow of Jesus Christ, who, with the one sacrifice of Himself, could take away sin forever. It is the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, that cleans us from all sin. Our sin is gone. Our conscience is clean. Our guilt is taken away, so we can come boldly into the presence of the living God, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The work for salvation is finished, so Jesus has forever sat down because He will never suffer for sin again. If you have heard the way of salvation through Jesus Christ and you refuse to accept Jesus as your Savior, there will be a fearful punishment waiting for you in hell.

We believers, who have been made just, shall live by faith of the sure hope of the coming of Jesus. Very soon now, the Lord shall come back to take us believers to heaven.

1. Is it possible for a person to be saved by keeping the law, which demands offering the blood of bulls and goats? __________ Hebrews 10:___

2. What did Jesus offer as a sacrifice for sins to sanctify and save sinners? __________ Hebrews 10:___

3. What did Jesus do after He offered one sacrifice for sins? __________ Hebrews 10:___

4. What gives the believer boldness to enter into the holiest presence of God? __________ Hebrews 10:___

5. How long will it be before Jesus will come? __________ Hebrews 10:___

Hebrews 11

Faith is putting trust in God when we cannot see Him. We believe God created the heavens and the earth because the Bible says so. We trust the Bible because by faith we believe it is the Word of God. When God says He will do something, we believe He will do it. This chapter gives us many examples of people living by faith.

By faith Abel brought an animal to die as his substitute, so he could have fellowship with God. God accepted Abel’s sacrifice. The death and blood of the animal reminded God that one day His Son Jesus Christ would die on the cross as our substitute. Jesus took the punishment for our sins so God could have fellowship with man. God could not accept Cain’s offering of vegetables. Cain hated God for this, so Cain killed Abel.

Noah built an ark and he went in with his family. God shut the door for more than a year while the flood was on the earth. Noah trusted himself to God. That is faith. Abraham obeyed God and left his village to go to a new place. Abraham did not know where he was going. By faith he trusted God to lead him there. Sarah was an old woman but she received strength to have a child because she believed God’s promise. That is faith. Moses chose to suffer with the people of Israel rather than having fun doing sin. He trusted God would rescue the people of Israel. Many others died while believing God even though they suffered many things. They trusted God, knowing that one day they will be rewarded for their faith. Would you be faithful to God if you knew you could die because of your faith?

1. It is impossible to please God without __________. Hebrews 11:___

2. Who obeyed God and left his home to go to a place that he did not know where it was? __________ Hebrews 11:___

3. Moses decided it was better to __________ rather than have fun doing sin. Hebrews 11:___

4. Some believers were tortured for their faith, not accepting deliverance, knowing they would receive a better __________. Hebrews 11:___

5. Many of the people at the end of the chapter received a good report of faith, but they have not yet received the __________. Hebrews 11:___

Hebrews 12

Chapter 11 has many examples of people who had faith in God. The Lord Jesus is the perfect example. He is the leader and the finisher of a life of faith.

Jesus will be at the finish line to reward us for our faith. Jesus faced so many contradictions and false accusations from sinners who hated Him. Why do people hate Jesus so much? It is because He is righteous and holy. Next to Jesus people look bad in their sin. I encourage you to live for the Lord Jesus even if there is danger in it. Don’t be angry with God when you have problems in life. Problems are part of God’s care and teaching for us. The people who God loves He will chasten and correct, as a father should discipline his child. Chastening is a training process God uses to teach us what to do. Scourging is like being punished with a spanking when we disobey.

God chastens us believers for our good so that we might share His holiness and become more like Christ. We need to follow peace to be able to get along with each other. But we need to practice holiness to see the Lord and to enjoy fellowship with Him.

God is the highest authority and in the highest place. He is the Most Excellent One. God is more than we can think. He is pure and holy. We need to serve Him with reverence. Reverence knows we are unworthy to serve Him or worship Him except that His grace makes us accepted in Jesus Christ. Godly fear makes us quiet and humble in His presence.

1. Who contradicted Jesus with false accusations? __________ Hebrews 12:___

2. Why does the Lord chasten and scourge every believer when we need it? __________ Hebrews 12:___

3. Another reason the Lord Jesus will chasten us is so we can be partakers to share in His __________. Hebrews 12:___

4. There are two things that we need to follow and practice in our lives in order to see the Lord. What are they? __________ Hebrews 12:___

5. What do we need to have in order to serve God with reverence and godly fear? __________ Hebrews 12:___

Hebrews 13

We brothers and sisters in Christ should continue to love one another. Many people are turning away from Christianity and hating Christians. We need to stick together and encourage one another to follow Jesus Christ. Remember to pray for Christians that are tortured, killed or put in bonds in prison because they love Jesus.

God made marriage to be only for a man and a woman. It is an honor to God when a man and a woman are married before they live together. God wants us to be content with the situation we are in. The Lord Jesus promises to be with you all the time. Do not be afraid when people treat you badly, because the Lord is your helper. He is the same today as He was yesterday and He will never change. You can trust Him when life is hard.

The leaders of the Jews’ religion crucified the Lord Jesus outside the gates of the city of Jerusalem. That is why God tells us to go outside of anything resembling the camp of the Jews’ religion to pray and worship and serve the Lord Jesus. God warns that you will suffer reproach outside the camp of religion just like Jesus, who was rejected and put outside the city to suffer.

We should live for Jesus and offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually to serve the Lord, and we should support the gospel. That is what God means when He says to do good and communicate; to communicate is to give money. There are brothers who are leaders or guides, who can look out for your spiritual good.

1. We should always be sure to let __________ continue. Hebrews 13:___

2. What should we do for Christians who suffer adversity through torture and are put in bonds and in prison? __________ Hebrews 13:___

3. Why do I not need to fear other people? __________ Hebrews 13:___

4. Who is the same all the time? __________ Hebrews 13:___

5. How often should we offer the sacrifice of praise to God? __________ Hebrews 13:___

James 1

This chapter is about having faith during two kinds of problems or temptations. The first type of problems relate to those things that come at us from outside of our control. It would include trials like a broken leg, sickness, persecution, divorced parents or hunger.

It will help us to accept these problems if we can decide to be joyful. If we understand that God has a good plan for us even with the trial, we will learn patience to continue and not become discouraged. Our joy comes from trusting the Lord in these difficult times. We can ask God for wisdom to know how to act in our problems so the Lord will get the glory.

We know this life on earth will fade and die. This helps us to value the blessings that come with eternal life. If your love for the Lord grows while you endure temptations and problems, God will honor you with a reward, a crown of life.

The second kind of temptation comes from inside of us. We cannot blame God for this temptation. The desire to sin comes from within our own hearts. For example, a mother puts freshly baked cookies on the table and tells her child not to take any. They look so delicious. The child thinks she will never know if he takes one. But he knows, and God knows. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can get some good thing from lust. Do not just come to meeting and hear the Word of God, but do the Word, which will be proof of your faith. One thing you can do is to be friendly and visit widows and orphans.

1. How should we feel when we fall into temptations or problems and bad things happen? __________ James 1:___

2. What will a person receive if they love the Lord and endure temptation? __________ James 1:___

3. What happens to a man when he is drawn away by his own lust? __________ James 1:___

4. We should be slow to speak and slow to wrath, but swift (ready) to __________. James 1:___

5. When we practice pure religion, who should we go to visit? __________ James 1:___

James 2

We should not treat the rich better than the poor just because they are rich. In the church there should be no difference. A poor brother may have better teaching and understanding than a rich brother. So treat the poor man with the same respect as the rich man. We might judge with bad thoughts and think that the rich man is worth more to us because he might give us money or a gift. We should treat both the rich and the poor as neighbors and treat them as we ourselves would want to be treated.

God demands evidence of faith such as obedience and love. By faith Abraham obeyed God even when it was against his natural will. Abraham was called the Friend of God. Rahab treated her neighbor as herself and by faith she showed love and care for God’s people by helping the spies of Israel.

Obedience to God and love to all other people is evidence of faith. Many people believe facts about the one true God, but that is not evidence of true salvation. Other people cannot see faith in your heart. Being justified by faith is what God sees, but being justified by works is what other people see. If you have no works of obedience towards God and love towards other people, then there is no evidence of faith in your life. Your faith is not real, because faith without works is dead. If you are saved, Matthew 5:16 tells you, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

1. Who should you love as much as you love yourself? __________ James 2:___

2. If you keep the whole law except one commandment, such as assisting the poor, how many commandments are you guilty of breaking? __________ James 2:___

3. If you say you are saved but you do not have the works of obedience and love, what is dead in you? __________ James 2:___

4. Because the devils believe there is one God, what do they do? __________ James 2:___

5. Who believed God and was called the Friend of God? __________ James 2:___

James 3

The teacher needs to obey what he reads in the Bible and practice what he preaches. He will answer to God for his words and his attitudes. If we are able to control our tongues so we do not offend people with words, we should also be able to control our behavior.

A bit is a small metal rod that is attached to a rope. A big animal can be controlled by one person with this bit in its mouth. One man can control a big ship to turn it in any direction with a small rudder. But our tongues are hard to control. The tongue is like a match that starts with a little flame and then grows into a big fire that burns the grass and trees on a whole mountain. A person using his little tongue can cause big problems for many people with just words. Man can tame elephants and snakes and lions, but the tongue no man can tame. We can be kind and friendly one minute and the next minute we might get angry and say bad things about another person. A believer should control the tongue and speak as a Christian and not as an unbeliever.

Next we learn the Christian should be meek and wise so he won’t offend others. Wisdom does not argue and fight. Wisdom is pure and peaceable. Wisdom is not measured by the words you say or by how much Bible knowledge you have. Wisdom is measured by a life of righteousness as a result of making peace with one another.

1. To be a perfect man, what should we not do with words? __________ James 3:___

2. What can be put into the horses’ mouths to control them? __________ James 3:___

3. What can no man tame? __________ James 3:___

4. What is the result in life when you have envy and strife (jealousy and arguments)? __________ James 3:___

5. What is the fruit or the result of making peace with one another? __________ James 3:___

James 4

We Christians have three enemies in this life: the flesh, the world and Satan. These three enemies all work together to discourage our faith. The flesh is the enemy inside us that lusts for things that we don’t have. For example, we envy our neighbor who has a new car or we are jealous of a pretty woman and wish we looked like her. When we try to get those things, we become unsatisfied and we argue with other Christians.

The second enemy is the world. The world attacks from outside of us. The world is the people and the things those people do when they try to be happy without Jesus Christ. This could be things such as organized sports, music, politics, religion or entertainment. The world tries to fill our lives without God, but the Spirit of God would not lead a believer to be friends with a world that hates Jesus.

Our third enemy is the devil. Satan attacks us with lies about God and the Bible. He can make you doubt your salvation or the goodness of God. Resist him with the Word of God. Draw near to God: Read the Bible, pray, think about what you read, and obey it. If you do not obey, you will need to humble yourself and confess your sin. Then Jesus will lift you up and forgive you so you can enjoy God as your friend again.

Sometimes we make plans as if nothing could stop us. But we do not know what might happen tomorrow. The Lord Jesus might have other plans for us. It is good for us to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall live and do this or that.”

1. You are an enemy of whom if you are friends with the world? __________ James 4:___

2. Resist means to be strong against or oppose someone. Whom does God resist? __________ James 4:___

3. Who will flee from us when we resist his lies and temptations? __________ James 4:___

4. What do you need to do before the Lord will lift you up? __________ James 4:___

5. What should we say when we are making plans for the future? __________ James 4:___

James 5

Some of the rich people were cheating their poor employees. Instead of paying their poor workers, they were putting money and food into retirement accounts for their last days. They had so much money that it was losing value before they could spend it. The rich had so many clothes and shoes in their closets that the bugs were eating them before they could wear them again. The rich people had eaten and nourished themselves. They looked like the cattle that were fat and ready to slaughter, while the poor were skinny and suffering. James tells the poor Christians to be patient. Jesus the Judge is at the door ready to come anytime to rescue the poor believers. Do not swear when you are angry or frustrated. Be honest when you say “yes” or “no.” If you have problems, you need to pray. If you are a Christian who is living righteously before the Lord, you can pray fervently and diligently for others who are sick and suffering. You can pray for someone who has not been fair to you. You can pray for a Christian who is not living to honor the Lord. Your faith and your fervent prayer will be a big help to them. Elias (Elijah) is a good example of the power of faith and prayer. He prayed and it did not rain for three years. He prayed again and the rains came. Just like Elijah, your fervent prayers will be effective.

1. When Jesus comes to judge the world, who will weep and howl? __________ James 5:___

2. What did the moths eat? __________ James 5:___

3. Who should we wait patiently for, because He is coming soon? __________ James 5:___

4. If you are afflicted, what should you do? __________ James 5:___

5. When Elijah prayed again, what happened to make the earth bring forth fruit? __________ James 5:___

1 Peter 1

Elect in verse 2 means “chosen by God.” The three Persons of God are working together for people to be saved. God the Father knew about you before creation and chose you in His Son to be saved. Then the Spirit sanctified you to prepare you to hear the gospel. We need to obey the gospel message and believe. Then the blood of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, cleans you from the guilt of your sin. We have been chosen to have spiritual life that we cannot lose. This salvation of our souls is kept for us by the power of God. This life gives us a lively (or, living) hope because we have faith to know we are going to heaven. Our faith about this living hope will be tested. Do you really believe Jesus is coming? Are you waiting and watching for Him? True faith will be rewarded with praise, honor and glory with Jesus Christ when He comes in His glory. The prophets in the Old Testament wrote about the sufferings of Christ and the glories that should follow when He comes back to the earth to be the king. The angels are interested to know how you are part of God’s plans for the future. After we are saved, we should be careful what we think about and be obedient to the will of God. We should be holy in all our actions like God is holy. It was necessary for the precious blood of Christ to be shed so we could be redeemed back into relationship with God. Our natural life will die like grass one day, but our spiritual life and the Word of the Lord endure forever.

1. What does God use to keep us through faith unto salvation? __________ 1 Peter 1:___

2. He who called us is holy, so we should be __________ in every part of our lives. 1 Peter 1:___

3. What has Christ redeemed us with that is so precious? __________ 1 Peter 1:___

4. Who should our faith and hope be in? __________ 1 Peter 1:___

5. How long does the Word of the Lord endure? __________ 1 Peter 1:___

1 Peter 2

When we are saved, we receive a new life that does not want to do the bad things listed in verse 1. A newborn baby wants to have milk and it will begin to grow. A young Christian has a new life that wants food. The Word of God is the food that makes a Christian grow spiritually strong. The Lord Jesus is the living stone, our foundation, our strength. If you believe Jesus, you won’t be confused in your spiritual life. With your spiritual life, you are a holy priest and you give spiritual worship to the Lord Jesus. You are also a royal priest, which means you want to serve the Lord Jesus. Be honest even when unbelievers speak badly about you. If they are saved later in life, they will remember that you were honest with them and they will give glory to God because of you. Submit means to be obedient to the government. Always do what pleases God. Honor all men and especially love brothers and sisters in Christ. Fear God. Give honor to the king, president or prime minister. We also need to obey and respect our teachers or our boss, even when they are dishonest or not fair. God gives them authority over us. You might suffer wrongfully, but that is okay when you know you are obedient to God. If you suffer for doing bad, you deserve it. If you suffer for doing good things, you will understand a little more how Jesus felt when He suffered for your sin. That will be acceptable with God. When Jesus was mistreated, He did not say bad words. He just trusted God through the difficult time. Jesus was willing to suffer for your sin so you could be righteous.

1. What do newborn Christians need so their spiritual life can grow? __________ 1 Peter 2:___

2. What should we submit to for the Lord’s sake? __________ 1 Peter 2:___

3. Who should we fear? __________ 1 Peter 2:___

4. Who suffered for us? __________ 1 Peter 2:___

5. What did Jesus bear in His own body on the cross? __________ 1 Peter 2:___

1 Peter 3

A wife should be subject to her husband and behave in a way that would encourage him to believe and obey the Word of God. It is more important for a woman to be a pleasant person with a gentle and quiet spirit than to be concerned about wearing lots of jewelry, makeup and perfume and posting selfies. Sarah is an example to us of a wife who respected her husband Abraham. A man needs to know and understand his wife so he can take good care of her. A husband should give honor to his wife. All of us should love other Christians as brothers and sisters. When others treat you badly, don’t return the evil. When they speak badly about you, return kind words. You can pray for their blessing because you know you will receive a blessing. If you suffer for doing good and serving the Lord Jesus, you can still be happy because you know the Lord will reward you. If they ask questions about your faith, they will listen to you because they can see in your life that you have something worthwhile. The hope that we have in us is truth about the Lord Jesus, who is coming to take us to be with Him in heaven. Jesus Christ is the just and good one, who suffered and died for sinners like you and me so He could give us spiritual life and bring us to God without our sins. Noah was saved from the judgment of this wicked world by the boat, which carried his family through the judgment waters. Jesus carried us like a boat through the judgment of sin, when He was baptized in death on the cross to save us.

1. Who should be in subjection to their own husbands? __________ 1 Peter 3:___

2. Who should a husband give honor to? __________ 1 Peter 3:___

3. Instead of returning evil for evil, we can pray __________ on that person because we know we will receive our own blessing. 1 Peter 3:___

4. Righteousness is doing good and serving the Lord. Will you be happy or sad if you suffer for being righteous? __________ 1 Peter 3:___

5. Who went through the baptism of death on the cross and was resurrected so we could be saved? __________ 1 Peter 3:___

1 Peter 4

If we choose to live a godly life to honor the name of Jesus Christ, we will suffer disappointments, we will miss out on pleasure and we might even be persecuted by other people. But choosing to honor Jesus will help to keep us from our habits of sin so we can do the will of God. The wicked enjoy pleasures of sin and they think we are strange for loving Jesus. They say bad things about Christians. But someday, whether they are living or dead, they will all have to answer to Jesus about how they mistreated Him and us.

Everyone will be judged by God according to the witness God has given to them while they were living. The believer escapes this eternal condemnation when the Spirit of God applies the Word of God to his heart and he receives spiritual life.

In a time of hatred and persecution, we especially need to love fellow-Christians and be hospitable to one another. God should be glorified in all we do and say. The Lord Jesus deserves all the praise. Suffering because we have committed a crime is a dishonor, but we should not be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. Give God the glory and honor if you are considered worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name.

We Christians are the house of God and judgment begins with us. Unbelievers may judge and persecute us now, but just think how terrible their judgment and suffering will be in the eternal judgment of hell. We need to continue doing what is right no matter what evil people will do to us. Trust the Lord in all problems.

1. We should live the rest of our time according to __________. 1 Peter 4:___

2. Because the end of all things is at hand, what two things should we do? __________ 1 Peter 4:___

3. What should we show towards one another without grudging? __________ 1 Peter 4:___

4. Name one thing that a Christian should never suffer for. __________ 1 Peter 4:___

5. What should we do if we suffer as a Christian? __________ 1 Peter 4:___

1 Peter 5

Peter is writing to the older, responsible brothers in the church. When Peter tells the elders to feed the flock, he means that elders have responsibility to teach us the Word of God and to make sure everything is in order with the Christians in the local assembly. If we are going to be fed, we need to listen to the teaching and then practice what we are taught. These elders should not force the Christians to live a godly life, but the elders should lead us by being a good example.

The Lord Jesus, the chief Shepherd, is watching to see how well the elders lead and how well you submit to their advice. Everyone in the assembly needs to treat one another with humility. God is a hater of pride, but He gives grace to those who are willing to be less important than others who receive an honor. If you allow others to be more important than you, God will raise you up to a place of honor later on.

Jesus is interested in you. If you have problems, tell Him. He cares about you. One of those problems is the devil. He is trying to discourage you so you will turn away from living for Jesus as Lord. Be strong in your faith and trust Jesus, who will give you strength and peace to overcome the attacks of Satan. Then you will be able to give glory to Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with a reminder to show the love of God towards our brothers and sisters in Christ when we greet one another.

1. Who does God give grace to? __________ 1 Peter 5:___

2. What should you do under the mighty hand of God? __________ 1 Peter 5:___

3. We should cast all our cares and problems on Him. Why? __________ 1 Peter 5:___

4. When the devil tries to discourage you, how should you resist him? __________ 1 Peter 5:___

5. How long will we give the Lord Jesus the glory and dominion which belong to Him? __________ 1 Peter 5:___

2 Peter 1

All believers share the same wonderful Christian faith that God opens up to us by the work of the Lord Jesus. As we learn to know God, we learn to enjoy God’s grace and peace. Through the power of God we can be diligent to grow strong in our godly life of faith. We need to add virtue to our precious faith. Virtue is courage to stand up for what is right even when everyone else disagrees. To our courage we add the knowledge of experience by practicing what we have learned from the Word of God. Next we add temperance, which is learning to control yourself so you do not sin. We add patience to endure problems and persecutions when everyone seems to be against us. Godliness means we act like a child of God. Brotherly kindness shows love to our fellow-believers. Charity is love that reaches out to unbelievers. As we grow in our faith, we will produce honor for God. If we don’t continue to add to our faith, we will forget that we belong to Jesus and we may fall back into a life of sin. Christ will reward us according to our diligence of adding to our faith.

Peter knew he would be killed soon because of his faith, so he encourages believers to continue to learn and practice the truth of God’s Word when he was gone. Peter wanted others to be strong in faith, so he shared what he had seen, heard and knew to be true about Jesus. Peter even heard God the Father speak about the excellent glory of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We can let our lights shine for Jesus in this dark world until the day dawns when Jesus returns to take us to be with Him in heaven.

1. What is needed before we can add to our faith? __________ 2 Peter 1:___

2. What should we add to patience? __________ 2 Peter 1:___

3. If you continue to progress in your Christian faith, how will you enter the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? __________ 2 Peter 1:___

4. In whom was God the Father well pleased? __________ 2 Peter 1:___

5. Where did the voice come from when Peter was on the holy mountain? __________ 2 Peter 1:___

2 Peter 2

Satan has false teachers in the church who are turning people away from the truth of salvation and a godly life. These teachers want people to believe sin is not so bad. They even speak bad things about the policemen and the president. God has reserved a day of judgment at the end of time to punish these false teachers. God knows how to punish the ungodly and to deliver the godly out of temptations. God has cast some rebellious angels down to hell, bound in chains of darkness until the day of judgment. God destroyed the ungodly in the flood but saved Noah. God destroyed everyone in the city of Sodom with fire as an example to anyone who thinks they can live an ungodly life of pride, lust and homosexuality. But God delivered righteous Lot from punishment with the wicked.

Balaam preached with the hope of getting rich. Balaam is like many false preachers who preach what the people want to hear. These pastors are like wells without water and clouds without rain. They look good but have no useful message for spiritual growth or worship, and they are getting rich in the name of Jesus.

When some people hear about Jesus, they may decide to change their behavior and stop doing a certain sin. This makes them feel good about themselves. However, when they see the church leaders (these false teachers) doing bad things, these people go back to a sinful life that is worse than they were before. This is because they were not saved by faith. They had just decided to clean up their life with their own goodness.

1. What do the false teachers speak evil of? __________ 2 Peter 2:___

2. Who was saved from the flood that came upon the world of the ungodly? __________ 2 Peter 2:___

3. What just man was delivered from the destruction of Sodom? __________ 2 Peter 2:___

4. Who knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation? __________ 2 Peter 2:___

5. What is reserved for the false preachers whose preaching is like clouds without rain? __________ 2 Peter 2:___

2 Peter 3

This chapter begins by encouraging us to be strengthened in our Christian lives by remembering to read the Word of God. The Word of God teaches us truth and gives us strength to stand against false teaching.

Satan is attacking Christianity with scoffers and lust. The scoffers mock the truth that Jesus is coming again. They choose to ignore the Word of God because they want to do what they like. Lust is a strong desire for money, pleasure, or sex without marriage. These ungodly people will be burned up with very hot fire. The Lord is not willing that any should perish, so He waited more than 6000 years for the ungodly to be saved. One thousand years is like one day to God. But time is running out on the ungodly.

Why do we want the things of this world? This world and all the ungodly works will be burned and will melt in the very hot fires of judgment. God will replace this earth with a new heaven and earth where everything is righteous. We should be careful to live in peace and godliness so we are without blame when Jesus comes.

Be strong in faith. Trust God’s Word. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Honor God.

1. What will God use to destroy the heavens and the earth on the day of judgment? __________ 2 Peter 3:___

2. How many days does 1000 years seem like to God? __________ 2 Peter 3:___

3. What two new things do we look for that God has promised? __________ 2 Peter 3:___

4. What three things should we be found diligent in? __________ 2 Peter 3:___

5. What two things should we grow in? __________ 2 Peter 3:___

1 John 1

This beginning that John is writing about is the time when the eternal Son of God came into this world as a baby. Jesus is the Word of life. Jesus is eternal life. Jesus is a real man, and He is God. It is so amazing that John and the other apostles heard Him speak, they saw Him with their own eyes, and they touched Jesus. John is so happy in this chapter to let us know Jesus is the eternal God. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. As we get to know this Person, Jesus Christ, we will experience fullness of joy when we fellowship with Him. The apostles teach us about Jesus Christ — about His love, His works, His life, His Person, and His holiness.

Walking in the light is to read the Bible and to practice what we learn. As we obey the Word of God, we have fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

The blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed us from all our sin. This makes it possible for us to have fellowship with other believers who are also walking in the light. When we walk in the light, we will know when we sin. If we sin, we need to confess our sin so we can enjoy God’s forgiveness.

1. What do we have with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ? __________ 1 John 1:___

2. What does John want us to be full of when we read his letter to us? __________ 1 John 1:___

3. If we walk in the light as He is in the light, what do we have with other believers? __________ 1 John 1:___

4. What will Jesus cleanse a believer from, if we confess our sins? __________ 1 John 1:___

5. What do we make God if we say that we have not sinned? __________ 1 John 1:___

1 John 2

John is writing to explain the eternal life we have in Christ. If we live by the power of the new life, we will not sin. But we still have the old sin life and sometimes we allow it to act badly. If we do sin, we do not lose our eternal life, but our fellowship with God is disturbed. At these times, Jesus works with us to get us to repent so we can enjoy God as our Father. We can know for sure that Jesus is our Savior because we have eternal life that obeys the Word of God. Another point about eternal life that helps us to know we are saved is the love we have for other Christians.

Many things in the world compete with our love for the Lord Jesus, such as music, money, sports, movies and social networking. Some of these can be used in a good way, but if they distract us from following the Word of God, they are sinful. Don’t love the world, as this will dishonor Jesus Christ.

Anyone who says Jesus is not God, or the Messiah, is an antichrist. That person is a liar and God is not his Father. We have the Word of God, we have eternal life and we have the Spirit of God that abides in us to help us to know truth from lies. We have all we need to live the Christian life. We do not need any other new teaching.

Abide in Christ and live faithfully for the Lord so your life will give honor to Jesus when you get to heaven.

1. If we sin, who is our advocate with God the Father? __________ 1 John 2:___

2. What do we keep that helps us know that we know Him, Jesus our Savior? __________ 1 John 2:___

3. What should we keep to perfect the love of God in us? __________ 1 John 2:___

4. If you hate your brother, are you in the darkness or the light? __________ 1 John 2:___

5. What does a person love that proves that the love of the Father is not in him? __________ 1 John 2:___

1 John 3

God could have saved us without making us His children. It is so amazing that God in His love wanted us as His children. We will be like Jesus when we see Him. This means there will be no more sorrow or depression, no more sickness or disease, no more sin or death. We will be like Jesus. When we know this, we will want to keep ourselves pure now, even as Jesus is pure.

If a person has a reputation of practicing sin, that person is of the devil. Jesus died on the cross to deliver that person from the works of the devil. The life that we receive when we are born of God does not continue with the habit of practicing sin because it is the life of Jesus. In Jesus there is no sin.

When a person is known for the good works that he does, it is because he has the righteousness of God in him. Little by little he is becoming like Jesus. As we become more like Jesus, we will lay down our lives for our brethren. We might suffer with being tired or hungry or poor or sick or even with death in serving our brethren.

If our heart condemns us because of something bad we did, we shouldn’t try to hide it from God. God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything we do. If our lives are pleasing to God, we will have a good conscience. We will be in communion with God so we will know what to ask for according to His will, and then we will receive what we ask.

1. What does every man do who has the hope of being like Jesus? __________ 1 John 3:___

2. What is it that Jesus does not have in Him? __________ 1 John 3:___

3. What kind of a person does righteousness? __________ 1 John 3:___

4. My little children, how should we show love to others? __________ 1 John 3:___

5. Who knows all things about you? __________ 1 John 3:___

1 John 4

Believers have two ways to be sure we have eternal life. First, we can know what teaching is true and what is false because we have the Spirit of God in us. Second, we love other believers.

Every true believer has the Spirit of God. Many bad spirits are in the world, and they lead some people to teach wrong things about Jesus Christ. With the Spirit of God in us, we can overcome the demon spirits with their bad teaching. We are able to know which teaching about Jesus is true and which is false. We know Jesus is God, who became a man in human flesh. We know Jesus could not sin. Demon-taught religions have teachings which take that glory away from Jesus Christ. Those who speak by the Spirit of God agree with the teaching of the apostles.

The second way to know we are saved is that we love other believers because we are all part of the one body of Christ. If we do not show love to other Christians, it proves we do not love God. The love of God is not an emotional love; it is an active love that proves itself by actions that show love to other members of the body of Christ. It is not our love that is perfect. It is God’s perfect love that worked in us to save us from our sin. This perfect love makes us bold in the day of judgment. We do not need to be afraid of God’s judgment against sin. Jesus took all that judgment for us. God’s perfect love takes away all fear of meeting God. If we love God, we will love all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

1. What kind of prophets are gone out into the world and teach wrong things? __________ 1 John 4:___

2. Love is of God, and every one who loves is __________ and __________. 1 John 4:___

3. If God loves us, who ought we to love? __________ 1 John 4:___

4. Who did the Father send to be the Savior of the world? __________ 1 John 4:___

5. What type of love casts out fear? __________ 1 John 4:___

1 John 5

When a person is saved, he is born into God’s family. He loves God and God’s children. God’s children are the other believers. We saved people will obey God’s Word, and our faith in God will help us to overcome the temptations we have in this world.

We have three witnesses to assure us that we are saved. The first witness is the Spirit of God who prepared our hearts to understand the gospel and gave us the faith to put our trust in the Lord Jesus. The Spirit lives in our hearts as a guarantee that we are going to heaven. Second, as a believer reads the Word of God, it is like water that washes away the daily sin the believer sees or hears or does. The third witness, the blood of Jesus, has taken away the guilt of our sin. With these three witnesses we can know that we have eternal life.

If we believers read the Bible, we will know what the will of God is so we will know what to ask for. Jesus will give it to us when we ask according to His will.

We, the children of God, need to keep ourselves from idols. An idol is something that we love more than God.

1. When we love God and keep His commandments, who else will we love? __________ 1 John 5:___

2. If you are born of God, what gives you the victory to overcome the world? __________ 1 John 5:___

3. What are the three witnesses that agree in one? __________ 1 John 5:___

4. We have confidence that God will hear us when we ask according to His __________. 1 John 5:___

5. What should we children keep ourselves from? __________ 1 John 5:___

2 John

The main point in this letter is to warn us about people who teach lies about the Lord Jesus Christ. John is writing to a well-respected sister in the Lord. He rejoices greatly that this sister’s children are walking in the truth too. We Christians need to love one another and encourage one another to continue in the truth. Five points of Christianity are mentioned in verse 3: grace, mercy, peace, truth and love.

Some people were going house to house and deceiving Christians. They did not teach the doctrine of Christ. Today people go house to house and teach lies. The deceivers in this world do not want to confess that Jesus is God who came in the flesh as a man. Some say Jesus did not die and rise from the dead. Some teach that Jesus could have sinned but He chose not to. These teachings are wrong. John warns us that if any persons come to our house and teach bad things about Jesus, we should not allow them to come into our house. We should not even tell them to have a good day or a good-bye. These people are like Satan who deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. They look very nice, but they teach lies.

So the subject of this letter is to remind Christians to know the truth about who Jesus Christ is and to know about the work of salvation that Jesus Christ did when He died on the cross.

1. Five key points of Christianity are mentioned in one verse, starting with grace. What are the other four? __________ 2 John ___

2. What were the children walking in that made John rejoice greatly? __________ 2 John ___

3. What commandment do we have, from the beginning, that we should do to one another? __________ 2 John ___

4. The deceivers of this world do not want to confess that Jesus is God who came in the __________ as a man. 2 John ___

5. Where should you not receive a person who does not teach the correct doctrine about Christ? __________ 2 John ___

3 John

Gaius was a much appreciated brother in Christ. He was a very godly man who loved the Lord Jesus and loved the saints. He was kind and hospitable to other Christian teachers who traveled and visited the assembly where he attended. John desired he would have good health to match his godly life. How healthy would you and I be if our body’s health matched our godliness? John was happy that Gaius and many others in the assembly walked according to the truth they had learned.

Some of the traveling teachers needed some financial support so they could travel and preach. These preachers would not take any money from the unbelievers to support their traveling and preaching. They visited other assemblies in faith that the Lord Jesus would supply their needs as they visited the saints. Gaius was faithful to care for these preachers of the gospel. John says we should all be fellow-helpers to preachers. If you support a preacher, you will also receive a preacher’s reward. See Matthew 10:41.

Diotrephes wanted to be the most important person in the church and he would not receive other preachers in the church. He chased them away. John was disappointed about this. He tells the faithful ones in the assembly not to follow the evil but to follow the good.

John appreciated truth in knowledge and truth in action. We don’t just talk about truth, but we must also live the truth. Another brother in this assembly was Demetrius. The Christians had good things to say about him. He both knew truth and lived the truth.

1. What do the children walk in that gives great joy to John? __________ 3 John ___

2. John encouraged Gaius that he would do well if he sent traveling Christian preachers on their journey in what way? __________ 3 John ___

3. Who did not receive visitors because he loved to have the first place of preeminence in the church? __________ 3 John ___

4. We should not follow that which is evil. What should we follow? __________ 3 John ___

5. Who had a good report from all men? __________ 3 John ___

Jude

Jude wrote this letter to warn Christians against false teachers who pretend to be Christians. They are dangerous because they try to disturb the faith of Christians. But we should be strong in the faith, not stop believing God’s true message, and continue to obey the Word of God. God’s Word is truth, and it will never change.

Jude gives examples from history of people who decided to do sinful things and to teach error. They received the punishment of God. It is a warning to us. We shouldn’t let others deceive us. The apostles also warned that people would mock the truths of Christianity to excuse their guilt of ungodly beliefs and actions. These people will eventually separate themselves from Christianity to follow their own desires. They do not have the Spirit of God.

We believers need to read the Word of God and obey it. Make the Word of God the guide for our life. Praying in the Holy Spirit means that our prayer will agree with the Word of God. Keep ourselves in the love of God. The love of God is always present. If sin is allowed in our life, we cannot enjoy the love of God. If we confess and forsake our sin, we will again enjoy the love of God. Looking for the mercy is to wait and watch for the Lord Jesus to come and take us believers to be with Him in heaven. As we grow in our knowledge and love for the Lord Jesus, we will be able to help other Christians have a life of joy that gives honor to God.

1. Who prophesied that the Lord will come with ten thousands of His saints? __________ Jude ___

2. Why do some people separate themselves from Christianity? __________ Jude ___

3. What most holy thing should God’s beloved be building themselves up on? __________ Jude ___

4. What should you keep yourself immersed in? __________ Jude ___

5. Who should receive the glory and majesty, dominion and power? __________ Jude ___

Revelation 1

The Lord asked John to write the things he saw. John saw many things that will happen in the future. God says that there is a special blessing for you if you read this Book of Revelation and keep the things that are written in the book. The time for these prophecies is at hand. They will happen very soon.

All glory belongs to Jesus Christ. He is the One who loves us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. One day Jesus is coming with clouds of saints as the king. All those who hate Jesus will wail and cry with fear when they see Him because they will know then that they should have believed. Instead, they rejected Jesus, and they fear because they know they are going to hell. Jesus is the beginning and He is also the end. These people have met their end. In the end Jesus is the winner over all His enemies.

John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day when he heard and saw this prophecy. As John turned to see the voice that spoke to him, he saw seven golden candlesticks. In the midst — in the middle — of the seven candlesticks was the Son of Man. It was Jesus Christ. He is the wise One with the white hair, holy and pure as white as snow, and His eyes as a flame of fire to see all that is happening in the churches, whether it is good or bad. The seven candlesticks represent the seven churches in Asia. These seven churches were churches that were in seven cities in Asia.

1. A blessing is promised to those who read or hear the words of this prophecy and who __________ the things that are written in it. Revelation 1:___

2. What did Jesus wash us from our sins with? __________ Revelation 1:___

3. On what day was John in the Spirit? __________ Revelation 1:___

4. What did John see when he turned to see the voice he heard? __________ Revelation 1:___

5. Who was in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks? __________ Revelation 1:___

Revelation 2:1-11

The Lord Jesus told John to write to seven churches in Asia. The Lord Jesus is in the midst of the assembly as Judge to examine the conditions in the church. The angel of the church is the group of responsible brothers in the assembly. John explains the good things and the bad things about each assembly. These seven assemblies also explain what the condition of the church would be from its beginning up until the Lord Jesus comes to take us to heaven.

The church at Ephesus represents the history of the church starting with the death of the apostles until approximately the year 167. The Christians in Ephesus refused to allow bad teaching in the assembly, and they gave glory to the name of Jesus. But they were slowly losing their first love for the Person of Jesus Christ. So they did good works like a habit, as if it were a job, instead of doing them out of love for the Lord Jesus just like they did when they were first saved.

Smyrna means suffering. During the years between 167 and 313, false teachers taught Christians to live like Jews instead of Christians. They forgot that Jesus was coming to take Christians to heaven. They thought their blessing was on the earth. During these years, the Romans had ten periods of time when they were attacking and killing Christians. Jesus understood about their suffering and death. He also suffered and died as a martyr. The overcomer will receive a crown of life.

Every church is told, “He that hath an ear, let him hear.” So believers need to listen to the instructions given to each church.

1. What city was the assembly in Asia that represents the first period of church history? __________ Revelation 2:___

2. What first thing had the church in Ephesus left? __________ Revelation 2:___

3. What do we need to use to hear what the Spirit is teaching about the church at Ephesus? __________ Revelation 2:___

4. Jesus says He is the first and the last. He was dead. What is He now? __________ Revelation 2:___

5. The believers are overcomers. What will not hurt them? __________ Revelation 2:___

Revelation 2:12-29

Pergamos means “marriage.” Between the years 313 and 580 the government forced everybody to practice Christianity. It was as if the church married the world. Christians gave up truth. The doctrine of Balaam encouraged Christians to include pagan parties and holidays in their religion. They gave these celebrations Christian names. Some of the Christians were faithful to honor the name of Jesus. Antipas was one of these, who was faithful to God and refused idolatry, so he was killed. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans introduced priests and pastors to rule over Christian assemblies. True Christians are called to repent and turn away from the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

The last four churches, starting with Thyatira in the year 580, are all told about the coming of the Lord. The conditions in these four churches will remain until the Lord comes to take the church home to heaven.

The Lord compliments those in Thyatira for their faith, love and the good works they patiently did. But there was much the Lord did not like. Thyatira means “continual sacrifice.” People believe if they sin they will lose their salvation. So they go to Mass, do good works, get baptized, pray to Mary or other dead saints, go to confession, and pay some money to get rid of their sin. Then they do it all over again. This is their continual sacrifice. They don’t believe that Jesus did all the work for salvation. Jesus offered Himself as the one sacrifice to forever put away sin. A person who believes on Jesus can never be lost. The true believer will overcome these false doctrines and will go to be with Jesus, who is the morning star.

1. What was the name of the faithful martyr? __________ Revelation 2:___

2. Did Jesus like the doctrine of the Nicolaitans or did He hate it? __________ Revelation 2:___

3. Thyatira had five good things to compliment them on. What are they? __________ Revelation 2:___

4. How long were the faithful Christians in Thyatira told to hold fast? __________ Revelation 2:___

5. Jesus is coming soon. In this chapter He is called a star. What is the name of the star? __________ Revelation 2:___

Revelation 3:1-6

Around the year 1529, the Protestant Reformation began. Thyatira, the Roman Church, had hidden the truth of salvation. They said you could only be saved through the Roman Church. Martin Luther and other reformers taught from the Bible that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. More Bible truth was recovered at this time. Many people escaped from the wicked teachings and power of the Roman Church.

Sardis represents the Protestant Reformation after the excitement of escaping from the Roman Church cooled off. Some governments that were controlled by the Roman Church escaped with the Protestant reformers. These governments protected the reformers from the hatred of the Roman Church. The Roman Church wanted to kill the reformers.

We know the church is made up of only believers, but the Protestants included many unbelievers. Many of these Protestants had the name of Christian, but they were dead in their sins. The true believers in Sardis were told to be watchful and to be strong in the truth of God’s Word that had been recovered by the reformers. Sadly, many did not practice the truth, and the recovery stopped. The false Christians in Sardis were told to repent because Jesus was coming soon. Jesus would come on these false Christians like a thief. That means they would be taken away to hell. Three promises are given to the true believers in Sardis: white clothes for the marriage to Jesus Christ, their names in the book of life, and Jesus publicly claiming them for His own in heaven before God the Father and His angels.

1. Some of the people in the church at Sardis had the name of being alive as Christians with eternal life, but they really were __________. Revelation 3:___

2. What were the Christians in Sardis told to do with the things which remain? __________ Revelation 3:___

3. If the unbelievers did not repent, Jesus would come on them as a __________. Revelation 3:___

4. Why will some believers in Sardis walk with Jesus in white? __________ Revelation 3:___

5. Who will be clothed in white raiment and have his name in the book of life? __________ Revelation 3:___

Revelation 3:7-13

The Reformation of 1529 died. About the year 1827, a revival began again. Some people understood more Bible truth. Philadelphian Christians accept Jesus as the only authority and head of the church. The government or an organization is not their head. Philadelphia means “brotherly love,” and the door was opened for them to preach the gospel around the world. The Christians began to practice with love, truth and holiness, according to the teachings of the apostles in the New Testament. They were gathered together only in the name of the Lord Jesus. They did not deny Jesus by using other names. They were faithful to the Word of God in the middle of all the Christian confusion of so many church organizations.

Satan used other Christians to try and make these Philadelphian Christians think they were going to inherit the Jewish promises on earth, so they should practice like Jews. The little strength in these Christians is stronger than the deception of Satan. The Philadelphian Christian knows Jesus is coming soon to take the believers to His home in heaven before the tribulation comes upon the world.

Hold fast to the truth you practice. Be an overcomer until Jesus comes. Don’t give up one point of the truth you have learned. If you can do that, Jesus promises to write three names on you: the name of God, the name of the city of New Jerusalem, and the new name of the Lord Jesus. This shows your specialness to God. If you have ears to hear, it is important to practice your Christianity like they did in Philadelphia.

1. What is the name of the city that means “brotherly love”? __________ Revelation 3:___

2. What is it that the Philadelphian Christians did not deny? __________ Revelation 3:___

3. What hour will Jesus keep you from if you keep the word of His patience? __________ Revelation 3:___

4. How soon is Jesus coming to take the believers to heaven? __________ Revelation 3:___

5. If you have ears, what should you do with them? __________ Revelation 3:___

Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea represents the bad condition of the Christian testimony just before Jesus takes the believers to heaven. True Christians read their Bible, pray, go to meetings, and serve Jesus. They are hot. Cold people don’t want Jesus to be Lord of their life. But in the Christianity of Laodicea, the people are lukewarm. They say they are Christians, they talk about the teachings of the Bible, but they do not believe or practice the ways of God.

Lukewarm people go to church to get entertained in the name of Jesus. They feel good about themselves, but they have no love for Jesus. They do good works to impress others. But this is disgusting to God. Jesus will spit them out of His mouth. Most of these people are not saved. They love money, sports, entertainment and electronics. They think riches are proof of godliness. They say they have need of nothing, but they are spiritually poor. Laodicea means “rights of the people.” Laodiceans say they are Christians, but they don’t want Christ to tell them what to do. In fact, they ignore Christ as head of the church.

The presence of Jesus is not in the church of Laodicea. The Lord is outside knocking on the door to call out the true believers. Jesus Christ won’t become a part of Laodicea, but He will come in to have fellowship with the individual believers. If you are saved, repent of being lukewarm. Open the door and Jesus will come in to be a part of your daily life. Jesus wants to have fellowship with you.

1. What did Jesus know about the Laodicean church that proved it was neither cold nor hot? __________ Revelation 3:___

2. Why will the Lord Jesus spew the church of Laodicea out of His mouth? __________ Revelation 3:___

3. Even though Laodiceans said they had need of nothing, did the Lord Jesus say they were rich or poor? __________ Revelation 3:___

4. Jesus says, “As many as I love, I __________ and __________.” Revelation 3:___

5. The Lord Jesus is standing at the door in Laodicea, knocking. If anyone hears His voice, what does He want them to do? __________ Revelation 3:___

Revelation 4

John was called up into heaven to see the things that will happen after the church is caught up to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus. John sees Jehovah God sitting on the throne. John sees a rainbow around the throne that looked like an emerald. The rainbow means that God will bring blessing to the earth after the judgments are complete. Not everyone will be destroyed in the judgments. The 24 elders sitting on 24 seats around the throne of God represent all the redeemed saints of God. That includes all the Old Testament saints along with you and me and all the New Testament saints. The gold crowns show that we share the inheritance with Jesus Christ as He rules with authority and reigns in righteousness over this world. The crowns are given to you for a reward, depending on your faithfulness to Jesus Christ now in this life while on earth.

The lightnings and thunderings show that judgment and chaos will soon fall on the earth, while in heaven it will be orderly and peaceful like a sea of glass. The four beasts are powerful angels that are busy to make sure God is glorified on the earth, and they proclaim the holiness of God. Giving glory, honor and thanks to the eternal God, they cry out three times: Holy! Holy! Holy! At this moment, we, the 24 elders, will fall down with our faces to the floor in honor and worship to the One who sits on the throne. We will lay our crowns of reward at the feet of Jesus.

1. What was the One sitting on in heaven? __________ Revelation 4:___

2. What was around the throne that looked like an emerald? __________ Revelation 4:___

3. What did the 24 elders have on their heads? __________ Revelation 4:___

4. Crowns are given for rewards. What did the 24 elders do with their crowns? __________ Revelation 4:___

5. What did the Lord Jesus create for His pleasure? __________ Revelation 4:___

Revelation 5

Shortly after the believers have been taken to heaven, the righteous judgments of the wrath of God will begin to fall on the world. But the judgments are sealed shut in a book and need to be opened. John began to weep because no one in heaven or earth was found worthy to open the seals. John wanted the glory of God’s righteousness to win the battle of good and evil. An elder comes to John and says, “Don’t weep.” Jesus is the one and only person worthy to open the book. John sees Jesus as the holy, sinless Lamb of God as it had been slain. This means that Jesus is a man in heaven with a body that still has the wounds in His hands, side and feet. Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood to redeem us, to pay the penalty for our sins so we could come into the presence of God. We will be in heaven when Jesus takes the book to open the seals. We will be so happy that we will fall down at the same time as more than 10,000 times 10,000 people worship the Lamb, who is the Lord Jesus Christ. One hundred million people and millions more will all at the same time be giving honor and glory and thanks to the Lord Jesus. Heaven will be a very happy place as we worship the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Lion, Jesus will reign as king. As the Lamb, Jesus was slain to be the Savior. If Jesus is your Savior, you will worship Him.

1. What was in the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne? __________ Revelation 5:___

2. What did John do because no one was found worthy to open the book? __________ Revelation 5:___

3. When Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, was found to open the book, what did the elder tell John not to do? __________ Revelation 5:___

4. Why was Jesus, the Lamb, worthy to take the book and open the seals thereof? __________ Revelation 5:___

5. Who will we say, with a loud voice, is worthy to receive honor, glory and blessing? __________ Revelation 5:___

Revelation 6

God’s judgments will begin on the countries that had the influence of Christianity but did not want God. The white horse represents the Roman Empire becoming strong again. The bow without arrows means the Roman Empire will control the world without fighting. They may use peace treaties and the threat of missile warfare. The red horse indicates blood and death. The sword refers to civil war with hand-to-hand fighting and killing one another. There will be no peace on earth. The black horse indicates famine, death and sorrow. Food for the common people will be scarce and the prices will be very high. The pale horse will cause more fear on earth. Twenty-five percent of the people will be killed by diseases like Ebola. Wild animals will also kill people.

When the fifth seal is opened, John sees the souls of faithful Jews who will be killed by enemies who hate God. These faithful Jews were preaching that Christ the King will return to set up His kingdom. Their prayer is vengeance on their enemies. They will be raised from the dead to reign with Christ for 1000 years.

The sixth seal happens near the middle of the seven years of tribulation. Governments will crash like an earthquake. The stars falling could be the big leaders of Western nations losing power. Authority of police and government will not be respected. People will riot, kill and steal. Fear will be everywhere. When people realize these judgments are from God, the world will panic. But the worst judgments are still to come.

1. What was given to the one that sat on a white horse? __________ Revelation 6:___

2. What was one of the things given to the one on the red horse? __________ Revelation 6:___

3. What was the name of the one on the pale horse? __________ Revelation 6:___

4. What were the souls that were under the altar slain or killed for? __________ Revelation 6:___

5. What did people say to the mountains and rocks? __________ Revelation 6:___

Revelation 7

After the sixth seal and before the seventh seal, the power of evil is stopped by four angels so nothing bad happens while a small number of the Jews are sealed with a mark of God in their foreheads. The four winds are evil powers that make bad things happen in all four corners of the earth: north, south, east and west. Everyone on earth will be affected by the fearful judgments during the great tribulation. Some servants of God from each of the 12 tribes of Israel will be selected at this time to receive the seal of protection in their foreheads. This symbolic number of 144,000 Jews will survive to the end of the great tribulation and will go into the 1000-year reign of Christ. These servants will preach the gospel of the kingdom. The tribes of Dan and Ephraim are excluded, probably because they were the ones who first turned Israel away from God to worship idols.

A second group of people from all nations of the world will survive the seven years of trouble on the earth. These are ones who believed the gospel that was preached during the tribulation. They too will go into the Millennium. These believers from all nations will join in the worship of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. They are not the church. They will worship from the earth while the church will worship from heaven. After so many troubles and fears, these people will suffer no more. They will have peace and safety in the kingdom: no more hunger, no more thirst, and no more crying. God will wipe away the tears from their eyes.

1. What were the four angels that were standing on the four corners of the earth holding? __________ Revelation 7:___

2. Where were the angels going to put the seal on the servants of God? __________ Revelation 7:___

3. What did these people wash their clothes in to make them white? __________ Revelation 7:___

4. Where will these people serve God day and night? __________ Revelation 7:___

5. What will God wipe away from their eyes? __________ Revelation 7:___

Revelation 8

The seventh seal opens with a half hour of silence. The second half of the seven years of trouble and wrath of God is ready to fall on this earth. The angel in verse 3 is Christ. The censer is a little box that a priest burns incense in to make a nice smell. Christ is burning incense to offer the prayers of the saints to God. The result is that Christ, the priest, casts down judgments on one-third of the world, which is mostly the Christian countries that turned away from God.

The events that you read about in this chapter are symbolic. The four angels blow their trumpets causing many troubles and disasters. Rich leaders may lose their source of wealth. Food may no longer grow well, and people will become poor. One politically powerful nation that has turned away from Christianity may no longer prosper. The shipping industry may have difficulties, which will cause the import and export of products to stop. Only a few things will be available to buy and only at high prices. People in these countries like to vacation, relax and have fun. Now they will have troubles, poverty and wickedness. Any remaining Christian influence will disappear, which means that people will not love and help their neighbors, but they will do whatever they want to do no matter how it may harm others. Powerful presidents and prime ministers will deny God and turn people away from thinking about God. Evil and spiritual wickedness will increase. “Woe! Woe! Woe!” means that when the last three trumpets blow, even worse troubles will come on the world.

1. How long was the silence in heaven? __________ Revelation 8:___

2. What ascended up before God in the smoke of the incense? __________ Revelation 8:___

3. What was cast into the sea when the second angel sounded? __________ Revelation 8:___

4. What was the name of the star that made the waters bitter? __________ Revelation 8:___

5. What word did the angel repeat three times to give warning that bigger problems were still to come to the inhabitants of the earth? __________ Revelation 8:___

Revelation 9

The fifth trumpet blows. A star falls from heaven. This star is probably a person, controlled by the power of Satan. He was given a key to open the bottomless pit where demons are locked up. Out came a dark cloud of smoke with locusts. The locusts were demons. The smoke is like the lies of the devil that will deceive people. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, we learn that if you reject Jesus today, you will be made to believe the lies at this time. Those locusts have power to sting like a scorpion and to hurt people for five months. People will be tormented so much by the locusts that they will want to die, but they will continue to suffer, and they will not die. The demons were not allowed to hurt the Jews that had the seal of God in their foreheads. The king of demons has two names, Abaddon and Apollyon. Both names mean “Destroyer.”

When the sixth angel blows his trumpet, four angels of God’s protection for Israel are removed and 200,000,000 warriors, from nations that hate Israel, are allowed to come into the land of Israel and kill one-third of the Jews. The fire coming out of the mouths is probably the horsemen forcing a false religion on the Jews. Many Jews turned away from God, the true Messiah, to follow this false religion. This killing and fear did not make these people repent of their sinful actions. They continued with stealing, violence, sex outside of marriage, and sorcery similar to Harry Potter. They were not sorry at all.

1. What was given to the man, who was the star, that had fallen from heaven? __________ Revelation 9:___

2. What did men desire but were not able to find it during those days of torment? __________ Revelation 9:___

3. The king has two names, one in Hebrew and one in Greek, both of which mean “Destroyer.” What are the two names? __________ Revelation 9:___

4. What was the name of the river where the four angels were let loose? __________ Revelation 9:___

5. What part of men were killed by the fire, smoke and brimstone that came out of the enemies’ mouths? __________ Revelation 9:___

Revelation 10

The rainbow is about promises. This mighty Angel is Jesus Christ. The little book is the promise of the Old Testament that Christ will defeat His enemies and set up His kingdom. With His left foot on the earth and His right foot in the sea, Jesus will show His supreme authority as He claims the whole world for His kingdom. He will reign as the Messiah of Israel.

God has not forgotten His people. The mighty Angel raises His hand to heaven to show He will soon honor that promise to Israel. It is a mystery why God has not punished the people who hate God and His people. Bad people think it is okay for them to do whatever sin they want. But it is not okay. God will wait no longer. The mystery of God will be finished. God will avenge His people.

There are more judgments to come, so John was told to prophesy again. He was told to take the little book about those judgments and to eat it. Why was it bitter to the belly and sweet to the mouth? To tell what God says about the future brings both joy and grief. It is sweet to know the Lord will have His way and be honored. It is sad to think of the judgments which must come upon all who refuse God and His rights. Be sure to tell your friends about God’s love and salvation. You do not want them to have to be judged and lost forever.

1. What was upon the head of the mighty Angel, which was a symbol of promise? __________ Revelation 10:___

2. Which foot did the Angel put on the earth? __________ Revelation 10:___

3. What did the Angel lift up to show Israel He would honor the promises to Israel? __________ Revelation 10:___

4. When the voice of the seventh angel begins to sound, what will be finished? __________ Revelation 10:___

5. How did John’s belly feel after he took the little book out of the Angel’s hand and ate it? __________ Revelation 10:___

Revelation 11

John measured the temple and the altar. God keeps track of His worshippers. He does not keep track of those outside nations that will be destroyed. They rejected Christ the King.

God always has a witness of at least two or three in the earth. The two witnesses here are not individuals but the faithful Jews. They had power like Moses and Elijah. Moses turned water to blood. Elijah called fire down from heaven and stopped the rain. God would protect these witnesses. Anyone who tried to hurt them would die. The witnesses told people that Christ the Messiah was coming to judge the world and to set up His kingdom. After they witness for 3½ years, the Beast will make war with them and kill them and leave their bodies lying in the street. The nations will have a party to celebrate their death. After 3½ days, the nations will see the witnesses rise from the dead and stand on their feet, and then God will take them to heaven. Great fear will come on God’s enemies. But they won’t repent. All the faithful martyrs of the tribulation will be raised from the dead and go to heaven.

Christ will destroy all His enemies and set up His kingdom over all the earth. Satan and the Antichrist tried to take it for themselves, but it belongs to Jesus Christ. He will rule in power and righteousness. The 24 elders are all the saints. They fall down to honor and worship Christ the King.

1. Three and a half years equals how many months that the Gentiles will tread underfoot the holy city? __________ Revelation 11:___

2. What came out of the mouths of the witnesses when someone tried to hurt them? __________ Revelation 11:___

3. What did they that dwell on the earth send one to another when the two witnesses were killed? __________ Revelation 11:___

4. Who beheld the witnesses when they ascended up to heaven in a cloud? __________ Revelation 11:___

5. What did the 24 elders do when they fell upon their faces? __________ Revelation 11:___

Revelation 12

The woman represents the nation of Israel. The sun and the moon show the authority of the nation of Israel to reign over all nations during the Millennium. The woman, the nation of Israel, gave birth to the man child, Jesus Christ. He will reign as king of the Jews.

Satan, the dragon, used the Roman nations to persecute the Jews. For example, Herod tried to destroy the man child, Jesus, when he killed all the boys two years old and under. Satan used the Romans to crucify Christ on the cross, but after three days Jesus rose from the dead. Now Jesus is alive in heaven.

Satan is in heaven accusing the brethren to God. He is trying to destroy everything that God does. But the saints are safe with the promises of the testimony of God’s Word and by the blood of Jesus the Lamb. In the middle of the seven years of trouble, the angel Michael will fight a war against Satan. Satan will lose and be cast out of heaven into the earth. The woman, the nation of Israel, sees this danger and runs. Satan chases her with a flood of lies to turn the nation of Israel away from Jesus to worship the Antichrist.

Satan cannot destroy the nation of Israel. God will protect and feed the woman for the final 1,260 days of the tribulation. That is 3½ years. One day the Lord, through His people Israel, will rule over all nations of the world. This humiliates Satan very much, so he turns his anger against the individual, faithful Jews who decide to stay in the land of Israel. They will continue to obey God’s Word and give witness to Jesus Christ.

1. What symbol is used to represent Satan? __________ Revelation 12:___

2. The woman brought forth a man child. Where was he caught up to? __________ Revelation 12:___

3. What was the name of the chief angel that fought a war in heaven against the dragon? __________ Revelation 12:___

4. What are three names of the great dragon? __________ Revelation 12:___

5. Who did the dragon persecute when he was cast to the earth? __________ Revelation 12:___

Revelation 13

After the rapture when Christians are taken to heaven, the world will be in a panic and a sea of confusion. Out of this sea, the Beast will come and bring false peace to the world. The Beast is the leader of the Roman Empire. Satan will give the Beast political and religious authority to rule over much of the world. Everyone whose name is not written in the Lamb’s book of life will worship the Beast as God. This will become the religion of the Western nations. It is the same as worshipping Satan and is blasphemy against God.

The Jews and those from other nations that repent and believe the gospel of the Messiah coming to set up His kingdom will not worship the Beast. The Beast will try to destroy them and will kill many of these saints.

Another beast will come out of the earth doing miracles. This man is a Jew. The two horns like a lamb show he will deceive people to think he is the Messiah. He is the false messiah, the Antichrist. Many people from ex-Christian Western nations and many Jews will believe his lies. He will make an image of the first beast and command people to worship the image. He will kill those who do not worship the Beast. He will cause people to get the mark, the name or the number of the Beast, in their right hand or their forehead. Without this mark, they will not be able to buy anything at the store or do business or sell anything. The number of the Beast is 666.

1. What name was on the heads of the first beast that rose out of the sea? __________ Revelation 13:___

2. The people will worship Satan the dragon. Who will the dragon give power to? __________ Revelation 13:___

3. Those who worship the Beast do not have their names written in which book? __________ Revelation 13:___

4. On what two parts of the body will the Antichrist cause the mark of the Beast to be placed? __________ Revelation 13:___

5. What is the number of the Beast? __________ Revelation 13:___

Revelation 14

Jesus, the Lamb, will stand on Mount Sion with 144,000 saints who have His Father’s name written in their foreheads. They sing about redemption. They kept themselves pure from following the Beast and were blameless in their actions before others. Verses 1, 4 and 5 are the few faithful Jews who survived the great tribulation. Verses 2-3 include both the martyrs who died in the tribulation and all persons of faith of other times. The everlasting gospel is the message that men should worship the Creator. Many people hate the truth of intelligent design. They prefer the lies of the Big Bang and evolution.

In the middle of the tribulation, an angel announces that Babylon is fallen. Religious Babylon, which includes the Catholic Church and Christian denominations that denied truth, had controlled politics. This leaves the Beast in charge, who demands worship for himself. Everybody who despised God and received the mark of the Beast and worshipped his image will suffer frightening judgments before they go into the fire.

A few saints will have patience to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The saints who die in the tribulation will be raised to be guests at the marriage of the Lamb. Then they will reign with Christ in the Millennium.

The Son of Man will begin to harvest or punish the Western nations and cast the wicked out of the earth into the lake of fire. The righteous will be left on the earth to reign with Christ in the Millennium. This final judgment is the worst because it is punishing the religious people that rejected Christ and His work.

1. Whose name was written in the foreheads of the 144,000? __________ Revelation 14:___

2. What was the name of the gospel that says that men should worship the Creator? __________ Revelation 14:___

3. What is the name of the city that is fallen, which represents religious power? __________ Revelation 14:___

4. What do the saints have that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? __________ Revelation 14:___

5. The Son of Man sits on a white cloud. What does He have on His head and in His hand? __________ Revelation 14:___

Revelation 15

Chapters 6-11 are the judgments on earth before the Messiah comes back to reign. Chapters 12-14 tell about some to be judged in Israel. In chapters 15-16, the judgments extend to other nations. No one will escape judgment.

Verse 2 explains about the Gentiles who would not obey the Beast or have the mark of the Beast, and they would not worship the Beast. Even though they suffered for their faithfulness to God and were killed for their faith, they will be raised from the dead to reign with Christ. That is why they are singing the song of Moses. It is a song of victory over the Beast and their enemies. These martyrs will also sing the song of the Lamb, which is about redemption by the blood of Jesus.

Seven angels appeared wearing white and gold. The white and gold showed that the judgments to come are pure and righteous. A vial is a bowl. Seven golden vials of judgment were given to seven angels. These vials were full of the wrath of the eternal God which would be dumped on all the nations of the earth.

The temple was where the priest entered to intercede to God for the people. Here the temple was filled with the smoke of the glory of God so no man could enter into the temple. No one could intercede for the people who rejected God. The judgments must fall on the world.

1. How many angels had the seven last plagues to fill up the wrath of God? __________ Revelation 15:___

2. The song of Moses was a song of victory. What was the name of the song about redemption? __________ Revelation 15:___

3. What were the seven angels clothed in that was pure and white? __________ Revelation 15:___

4. What were the seven golden vials filled with that was given to the seven angels? __________ Revelation 15:___

5. What was the temple filled with so that no one could go in to intercede for the people who rejected God? __________ Revelation 15:___

Revelation 16

The seven angels are told to pour out their vials of judgment on the earth. The first vial was judgment against only those who had the mark of the Beast and worshipped his image. The second and third vials were judgment against the bad people who shed the blood and killed so many of God’s saints and prophets. God is true and righteous to punish the unrepentant sinner. The fourth and fifth plagues caused physical and mental pain against the sinners that rejected God. These people did not repent. They blasphemed and said bad things about God.

The vial of the sixth angel prepared the way for nations of the East to join forces with the Beast. The frogs represent demons that give power to the dragon, the Beast and the false prophet to do miracles. God allows these miracles to attract foreign nations to join forces. They all have one purpose — to destroy Israel. These huge armies are gathered together into one place called Armageddon. At this time Jesus Christ will come down like a thief and surprise the enemies of Israel and of God, and they will all be destroyed. The vast armies never expected this to happen.

The seventh angel says, “It is done,” as he pours out his vial of judgment. In this last judgment, there will be an earthquake that will be very mighty. A storm of thunder, lightning and large hail will fall on the people. Political Babylon will be broken up and fall under the fierceness of the wrath of God. Again, people will blaspheme God.

1. How many angels are told to pour out their vials of judgment on the earth? __________ Revelation 16:___

2. The first vial of judgment fell only on those who had the mark of the __________ and worshipped his image. Revelation 16:___

3. What did the third angel say about the Lord when he poured out his vial of judgment? __________ Revelation 16:___

4. What is the Hebrew name of the place where God gathered the armies together to be destroyed? __________ Revelation 16:___

5. When the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air, what happened that was so mighty and so great? __________ Revelation 16:___

Revelation 17

After the true church of believers in Jesus is taken to heaven, the false church will become strong very quickly. This false church is called a woman. She is the devil’s imitation of the church. She will rule the Western powers together with the political ruler called the Beast. She deceives the people who used to go to church but rejected Christianity. They hated Christ. But they want to worship something. This false church deceives these people to worship the Beast. The Beast blasphemes God and wants to be God. But the woman really wants people to worship her, so she sits on the Beast to control the politics. The people give her money. She runs the false church like a commercial business and gets very rich. She kills anyone who worships God instead of her.

The Beast is the seventh king but is controlled by the rule of the false church. The Beast will get the support of the leaders of ten nations. They will destroy the false church and break free from her control. The Beast will be the final king. He will be all-powerful. The people will worship him. He will think he became God. But he runs into trouble. Jesus Christ the Lamb, the Lord of lords and King of kings, will return to earth to take His kingdom. We believers, the called, chosen and faithful, will come back with Him. The Beast, with the power of Satan, will attack Jesus Christ. The Beast and the world powers lose the war. They are sent into the perdition of hell to suffer an eternal punishment in the lake of fire. The words of God shall be fulfilled. Jesus wins!

1. The scarlet-colored beast was full of the names of __________. Revelation 17:___

2. The woman shed the blood of the saints. Who were they martyrs of? __________ Revelation 17:___

3. What do the ten horns represent? __________ Revelation 17:___

4. These ten kings had one mind. Who did they give their power to? __________ Revelation 17:___

5. Who did the Beast and the ten kings make war with? __________ Revelation 17:___

Revelation 18

After the rapture, the system set up by the Roman Catholic Church will head up what is called Babylon, the false church, during the tribulation. In the middle of the seven years of tribulation, Babylon will fall, but she will not be destroyed until the end of the seven years when Christ returns.

Today many people mix the world, culture, pleasure and business with a religious system of priests, uniforms, laws and rituals. In the tribulation, people will want to worship something but not God. People will worship money, success and the Beast. Babylon will control much of the commercial business and financial markets of the world.

A voice from heaven warns true believers to come out of Babylon. God will reward Babylon with double punishment because they have killed and persecuted true believers who did not follow the practices of the false church. Babylon will suffer a violent end. When Babylon falls, commercial and financial markets of the world will collapse. People will lose their income and their religion in one hour. Merchants will be shocked when they realize that they have been deceived into financial ruin by Babylon. Music will stop since people will be sad, angry and depressed. Joy and happiness will disappear. The followers of Babylon will be destroyed and sent to hell. Let it be known that all throughout history Babylon has killed many prophets, holy apostles, and saints because they obeyed God rather than Babylon. God will avenge His persecuted saints and all heaven will rejoice.

1. God will remember the iniquities of Babylon because they have reached unto __________. Revelation 18:___

2. How much judgment will be rewarded to Babylon for her works? __________ Revelation 18:___

3. Who were made rich by Babylon and stand afar off afraid of torment? __________ Revelation 18:___

4. When Babylon fell, who rejoiced over her along with heaven and the holy apostles? __________ Revelation 18:___

5. It was found that Babylon killed many believers. They were guilty of the blood of prophets and __________. Revelation 18:___

Revelation 19

When God avenges those bad things done to believers, there will be a celebration in heaven. Glory, honor and power belong to the Lord our God, who is true and righteous. The marriage of the Lamb is for the joy of Christ and His wife. It is the marriage of Jesus Christ to all of us believers, the true church. Jesus Christ calls us His wife. There will be much joy for the Lamb and His wife. Christ will be shown together in public with us. Our wedding dress will be clean and white to represent the righteousness of the saints. Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Jesus Christ.

The marriage supper of the Lamb is for the enjoyment of the guests. If you are not saved, you will not be invited. Instead, unbelievers will meet Christ, who will be on a white war horse. Christ’s name will be Faithful and True and the Word of God. The world will see us believers come with Jesus Christ in all His beauty. The Beast will gather all the enemies of God together, to fight against Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus will win. At this time, the Beast and the false prophet, which is the Antichrist, will be thrown alive into the lake of fire. The enemies of God will be killed and eaten by the birds at the supper of the great God.

1. Who was sitting on the throne that the 24 elders and the four beasts will fall down to worship? __________ Revelation 19:___

2. Who made herself ready for the marriage of the Lamb? __________ Revelation 19:___

3. What color are the clothes of fine linen that represent the righteousness of saints? __________ Revelation 19:___

4. What color was the war horse that Christ, the Faithful and True, sat on? __________ Revelation 19:___

5. What is the name of Christ that will be written on His vesture and His thigh? __________ Revelation 19:___

Revelation 20

Satan will be bound with chains and locked up in the bottomless pit for 1000 years so he won’t be able to tempt people to sin. There will be peace on earth. We believers will be sitting on thrones because we will reign with Christ, who will give us jobs to do for Him in His kingdom. The first resurrection is for the righteous only and will happen in at least three parts: first before the tribulation when Jesus takes the true church to heaven, and second and third at the middle and the end of the tribulation for those who were martyred for the witness of Jesus. The righteous will live and reign with Christ for 1000 years.

At the end of 1000 years, Satan will be released from the bottomless pit. He will gather all the enemies of God together in an attempt to destroy Jesus Christ and the beloved city of Jerusalem. But God will send fire down from heaven and burn them up. Satan will then be cast into the lake of fire to be tormented forever. Jesus wins forever. The second resurrection is only for the wicked. Every unbeliever since the beginning of time will be raised from the dead. They will stand before Jesus Christ, who will sit on a white throne of purity. Jesus the Judge will open the books to see the details of their works that could not save them. Finally, Jesus will look to see if their name is written in the book of life. If their name is not found, they will be cast into the lake of fire to be punished for their sin of rejecting Jesus.

1. How many years will the old serpent Satan be bound? __________ Revelation 20:___

2. How many years will those who have a part in the first resurrection reign with Christ? __________ Revelation 20:___

3. Who will be loosed from the bottomless pit when the 1000 years are expired? __________ Revelation 20:___

4. Where will the devil be cast? __________ Revelation 20:___

5. If someone’s name is not written in the book of life, what will they be cast into? __________ Revelation 20:___

Revelation 21

Verses 1-8 describe life on a new earth after the old earth has passed away. No sin will ever come into this new earth. Everything will always be good. There won’t be any sea to separate people; everyone will be together. God will come down from heaven to be with the people who are on the new earth. God always wanted to be with people. God will say, “It is done.” The old, sad, sinful world will be gone and God will make all things new. The eternal earth will have no sin, death, sorrow, crying or pain. God will wipe away all tears. The water of life on the new earth is not for salvation. The water fountain of life shows that Christ will always satisfy us. We will enjoy Christ and His love more and more. While believers will be happy with Christ on the new earth, the people who rejected Jesus will exist and suffer for eternity in the lake of fire.

At verse 9 the chapter goes back to the time of the Millennium. The church, the bride of Christ, is the holy, heavenly city, New Jerusalem. The beautiful city is representing us, the bride, reflecting the glory of Christ to the world during the Millennium. The kings of all nations will be required to bring their glory and honor to it. No sin or anything to defile will ever enter into the holy city. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life may enter in.

1. When there is a new earth, what will happen to the first earth? __________ Revelation 21:___

2. What is the name of the holy city that was prepared as a bride, who represents the church? __________ Revelation 21:___

3. What will happen to former things such as sorrow, crying and pain in the new earth? __________ Revelation 21:___

4. In the Millennium, who will bring their glory and honor to the holy city? __________ Revelation 21:___

5. In whose book are the names of the people written who are permitted in the holy city? __________ Revelation 21:___

Revelation 22

Verses 1-5 are the holy city in the Millennium. The pure river of water shows that there is blessing for everyone in the city. Jesus is the tree that has given us eternal life. The leaves of the tree will heal the nations so people can live 1000 years. In the Millennium, we believers will serve in the government of Jesus Christ the King in His kingdom. When we see the face of Jesus Christ, we will honor Him with His name in our foreheads. Everyone will know that we belong to Jesus Christ the King. There will be no night in the city, nor lamps nor sun, for the Lord God is the light of it. We will serve Christ throughout the entire Millennium.

The next verses go back in time to us now on the earth. Jesus tells us He is coming quickly, so we should be busy doing the work of the Lord. He says we are holy, so we should act holy. Again, Jesus says, I come quickly to reward you for being faithful to do the work of the Lord now while you are here on earth.

When Jesus comes to take us to heaven, it will be like a new day for us. He will come like the bright and morning star. We the bride, together with the Spirit of God, say to the sinners, “Come. Believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved before the Lord Jesus comes.” The last words of Jesus are, “Surely I come quickly.” We are happy to say, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

1. When we see the face of the Lord Jesus, where will His name be written? __________ Revelation 22:___

2. The first time Jesus says He is coming quickly, He pronounces blessing on those who keep __________. Revelation 22:___

3. The second time Jesus says He is coming quickly, what does He say He is bringing with Him? __________ Revelation 22:___

4. Jesus says He is the root and offspring of David, and also the __________. Revelation 22:___

5. When Jesus says the third time, “I come quickly,” what is the response of Christians? __________ Revelation 22:___